From 129e5aa1197d03e7276c50097d94dfa3d11dba71 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: oleg-rswll
Date: Mon, 5 May 2025 17:47:33 +0000
Subject: [PATCH] Update README.md
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CoMaps
-[CoMaps](https://comaps.app) is a free Android & iOS offline maps app for travellers, tourists, drivers, hikers, and cyclists.
-It uses crowd-sourced [OpenStreetMap](https://www.openstreetmap.org) data, and is developed with love by our community and former **Organic Maps** contributors (Forked from **Maps.Me**).
-No ads, no tracking, no data collection, no crapware. Your [donations](https://comaps.app/donate/) and positive reviews motivate and inspire us, thanks ❤️!
+
+CoMaps is a new community-driven project born out of the desire to create a truly open, transparent, and community-focused navigation app. Our mission is to provide easy, offline navigation for drivers, hikers, and cyclists, with a strong emphasis on open-source principles and respecting data privacy. We are committed to building a world where the top choice for navigation software is free and developed through open collaboration.
+
+### Community Action
+
+The CoMaps project emerged in response to the growing concerns and dissatisfaction within the Organic Maps community. The original Organic Maps project, while initially promoted as an open community effort, faced significant issues related to governance, transparency, and the potential for shareholder profit at the expense of the community. These concerns were detailed in an open letter to Organic Maps shareholders, which can be found [here](https://openletter.earth/open-letter-to-organic-maps-shareholders-a0bf770c). Despite some positive steps, the lack of a substantive resolution has led to the decision to start a new independent project.
+
+
+### New Path Forward
+
+At CoMaps, we are dedicated to ensuring that all project-related efforts are conducted in public, providing full transparency in decision-making, priorities, goals, financials, and operations. We believe in community decision-making, where those impacted by decisions have a voice and are empowered to participate. Our project operates as a not-for-profit entity, focusing on creating value for the community rather than generating profit. We are committed to maintaining the complete codebase and associated resources under Free and Open Source Software licenses, ensuring that development is open and transparent.
+Privacy is an important part of the project. The app does not track users or collect data behind the scenes; if there is potential of data collection, for example sharing app logs with tech support, it is fully disclosed and requires opt-in consent. Funding for CoMaps primarily comes from community donations, and possibility of grants and B2B products, as long as they align with the principles and are approved by the community. All assets created or acquired are owned by the community and used for its benefit. We are building a navigation app that is not only easy to use and fast, but also reflects the values of openness, transparency, and community collaboration. Join us in creating a navigation solution that truly serves the public good.
+
+
+
+## [CoMaps](https://comaps.app) – Hike, Bike, Drive Offline – Easy Map Navigation with Privacy
+
+Discover more of your journey - Powered by the community
+
+A community-led maps app based on an open source foundation and reinforced with commitment to transparency, privacy and being not-for-profit.
+
+Join the community and help make the best maps app
+
+– Use the app and spread the word about it
+
+– Give feedback and report issues
+
+– Update map data in the app or on the [OpenStreetMap](https://www.openstreetmap.org) website
+
+
+Your [donations](https://comaps.app/donate/) and positive reviews motivate and inspire us, thanks ❤️!
[
](https://apps.apple.com/app/comaps/id1567437057)
[
](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=app.comaps)
@@ -18,76 +46,111 @@ No ads, no tracking, no data collection, no crapware. Your [donations](https://c
+**Offline-focused**: Plan and navigate your trip abroad without the need for cellular service, search waypoints while on a distant hike, etc. All app functions are designed to work offline.
+
+**No Data Collection**: The app is designed with privacy in mind - does not identify people, does not track, and does not collect any information.
+
+**Save Your Battery**: Efficiently uses the battery during your travels, doesn’t drain your battery like other navigation apps.
+
+**Free and Built by the Community**: People like you helped build the app by adding locations to OpenStreetMap, giving feedback on features, and contributing code on Codeberg in the open-source community.
+
+### Principles
+1. Transparency
+2. Community Decision-making
+3. Not-for-profit
+4. Open source
+5. Privacy-focused
+6. Clear Funding
+7. Assets for Public Interest
+
+
+### Respecting Privacy
+• No tracking
+• No data collection
+• No ads
+
+
+## Features
+
+• Search by name or an address or by point of interest category
+
+• Navigation with voice announcements for walking, cycling, or driving
+
+• Track recording
+
+• Export and import bookmarks and tracks in KML, KMZ, GPX formats
+
+
+### Maps
+
+• Downloadable detailed maps from OpenStreetMap with places which are not available with Google Maps
+
+• Hiking trails, walking paths and cycleways
+
+• Contour lines, elevation profiles and peaks
+
+• Points of interest like restaurants, gas stations, hotels, shops, sightseeings and many more
+
+
+
+Please report app issues, suggest ideas and join our community at comaps.app website.
+
+Freedom Is Here Discover your journey, navigate the world with privacy and community at the forefront.
+
+
+
+
+## Contributing
+
+### Who is paying for development?
+
+The app is free for everyone, so we rely on donations. Please donate at [comaps.app/donate](https://comaps.app/donate) to support us!
+
+Please consider [donating](https://comaps.app/donate) if you want to see this open-source project thriving.
+
+
+### How can I help with CoMaps?
+
+You can help by donating, by helping build the product, or by telling others about it. To build a great product there is a need for software development, design, product, community development, and other areas. Reach out to us and let us know how you want to help.
+
+If you want to build the project, check [docs/INSTALL.md](docs/INSTALL.md). If you want to help the project,
+see [docs/CONTRIBUTING.md](docs/CONTRIBUTING.md). You can [help in many ways](https://comaps.app/support-us/), the ability to code is not necessary.
+
+### Feedback
+
+- **Rate us on the [App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/comaps/id1567437057)
+and [Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=app.comaps)**.
+- **Star us on Codeberg**.
+- Report bugs or issues to [the issue tracker](https://codeberg.org/comaps/comaps/issues).
+
+### Connet with us
+
+[Bluesky](https://bsky.app/profile/comaps.app)
+ | [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/CoMapsCommunity/)
+ | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/comapscommunity/)
+ | [Lemmy](https://sopuli.xyz/c/CoMaps)
+ | [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/comaps-community/)
+ | [Mastodon](https://floss.social/@CoMaps)
+ | [Matrix](https://matrix.to/#/#comaps:matrix.org)
+ | [Open Collective](https://opencollective.com/comaps)
+ | [Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/CoMaps/)
+ | [Telegram](https://t.me/CoMapsApp) [EN Chat](https://t.me/CoMaps_EN) [RU Chat](https://t.me/CoMaps_RU)
+ | [Threads](https://www.threads.com/@comapscommunity)
+ | [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@comapscommunity)
+
## What's the difference to Organic Maps?
CoMaps is a fork/spin-off of Organic Maps, which in turn is a fork/spin-off of Maps.me. The CoMaps project emerged in response to the growing concerns and dissatisfaction with the Organic Maps leadership. The original Organic Maps project, while initially promoted as an open community effort, faced significant issues related to governance, transparency, and the potential of shareholder profit at the expense of the community. These concerns were detailed in an open letter to Organic Maps shareholders, which can be found [here](https://openletter.earth/open-letter-to-organic-maps-shareholders-a0bf770c). Despite some positive steps, the lack of a substantial resolution has led former Organic Maps contributors to the decision to start a new independent project.
With CoMaps, we want to overcome these issues by moving to a nonprofit structure (not finished yet), greater inclusivity in decision-making, and financial transparency.
-## Features
+## Governance
-CoMaps is the ultimate companion app for travellers, tourists, hikers, and cyclists:
+See the [Principles](https://codeberg.org/comaps/governance).
-- Detailed offline maps with places that don't exist on other maps, thanks to [OpenStreetMap](https://openstreetmap.org)
-- Cycling routes, hiking trails, and walking paths
-- Contour lines, elevation profiles, peaks, and slopes
-- Turn-by-turn walking, cycling, and car navigation with voice guidance
-- Fast offline search on the map
-- Bookmarks and tracks import and export in KML, KMZ & GPX formats
-- Dark Mode to protect your eyes
-- Countries and regions don't take a lot of space
-- Free and open-source
-- Developed by a passionate community
+The CoMaps community abides by the CNCF [code of conduct](docs/CODE_OF_CONDUCT.md).
-## Why CoMaps?
-
-- Respects your privacy
-- Saves your battery
-- No unexpected mobile data charges
-
-CoMaps is free from trackers and other bad stuff:
-
-- No ads
-- No tracking
-- No data collection
-- No phoning home
-- No annoying registration
-- No mandatory tutorials
-- No noisy email spam
-- No push notifications
-- No crapware
-
-
-
-
-
-CoMaps doesn't request excessive permissions to spy on you.
-
-At CoMaps, we believe that privacy is a fundamental human right:
-
-- CoMaps is an indie community-driven open-source project
-- We protect your privacy from Big Tech's prying eyes
-- Stay safe no matter where you are
-
-Reject surveillance - embrace your freedom.
-
-[**Give CoMaps a try!**](#install)
-
-## Who is paying for the development?
-
-The app is free for everyone, so we rely on donations. Please donate at [comaps.app/donate](https://comaps.app/donate) to support us!
-
-Please consider [donating](https://comaps.app/donate) if you want to see this open-source project thriving, not dying. There are [other ways how to support the project](#contributing). No coding skills required.
-
-## Copyrights
+### Copyrights
Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0. See
[LICENSE](LICENSE),
@@ -95,30 +158,3 @@ Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0. See
and [data/copyright.html](data/copyright.html)
for more information.
-## Governance
-
-Check the [Governance repository](https://codeberg.org/comaps/governance).
-
-
-
-## Contributing
-
-If you want to build the project, check [docs/INSTALL.md](docs/INSTALL.md). If you want to help the project,
-see [docs/CONTRIBUTING.md](docs/CONTRIBUTING.md). You can [help in many ways](https://comaps.app/support-us/), the ability to code is not necessary.
-
-## Feedback
-
-- **Rate us on the [App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/comaps/id1567437057)
-and [Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=app.comaps)**.
-- **Star us on Codeberg**.
-- Report bugs or issues to [the issue tracker](https://codeberg.org/comaps/comaps/issues).
-- Subscribe to our [Telegram Channel](https://t.me/CoMapsApp) or to the [[matrix] space](https://matrix.to/#/#comaps:matrix.org) for updates.
-- Join our [Telegram Chat](https://t.me/CoMaps_EN) to discuss with other users.
- - Присоединяйтесь к нашей [русскоязычной группе в Telegram](https://t.me/CoMaps_RU) для обратной связи и помощи.
-- Contact us by [email](mailto:hello@comaps.app).
-- Follow our updates in
-[Fediverse](https://floss.social/@CoMaps),
-[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575286559965),
-[Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/comapscommunity/).
-
-The CoMaps community abides by the CNCF [code of conduct](docs/CODE_OF_CONDUCT.md).