AutoNavi Software Co., Ltd. () is a Chinese
web mapping
Web mapping or an online mapping is the process of using, creating, and distributing maps on the World Wide Web (the Web), usually through the use of Web GIS, Web geographic information systems (Web GIS). A web map or an online map is both served ...
,
navigation
Navigation is a field of study that focuses on the process of monitoring and controlling the motion, movement of a craft or vehicle from one place to another.Bowditch, 2003:799. The field of navigation includes four general categories: land navig ...
and
location-based services provider, founded in 2001. One of its subsidiary companies, Beijing Mapabc Co. Ltd. (www.mapabc.com), is a map website in China. AutoNavi was acquired by
Alibaba Group
Alibaba Group Holding Limited, branded as Alibaba (), is a Chinese Multinational corporation, multinational technology company specializing in E-commerce in China, e-commerce, retail, Internet, and technology. Founded on 28 June 1999 in Hangzho ...
in 2014. It offers its map services at Amap.com and as the Amap mobile app. It is known as Gaode in Chinese.
AutoNavi provides mapping data of China and Taiwan for
Apple Maps
Apple Maps is a web mapping service developed by Apple Inc. As the default map system of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, visionOS, and watchOS, it provides directions and estimated times of arrival for driving, walking, cycling, and public trans ...
, which was introduced with
iOS 6.
Previously this was the only method of viewing their map in English, and was only available when the Apple device was located within China. As of 2025 however, there is a standalone app called Amap available for Android, iOS and HarmonyOS. The app is available in English, traditional Chinese and simplified Chinese.
AutoNavi previously provided mapping data to Google from 2006, although this has not been updated for some years.
AutoNavi's own map application was the top mobile map app in China in 2012, with over 100 million users.
History
The company was founded in 2002 by Jun Hou, Congwu Cheng and Jun Xiao "to develop digital map data for in-dash navigation systems in automobiles".
In 2007 Amap launched their first in-house developed car navigation system.
In 2021, Amap was integrated into Alibaba's Lifestyle Services division, which also includes
food delivery service Ele.me.
In March 2023, Amap claimed 150 million average
daily active users.
On 21 January 2025 the company launched English version of the app available for Android, iOS and HarmonyOS. This is China's first English map for overseas users.
See also
*
List of online map services
Online maps can be basically divided by the covered area (global or local) and by the representation of this area (classic drawn or orthophoto).
Global online map service provider and their map Service
These maps cover the world, but may have c ...
*
Google Maps
Google Maps is a web mapping platform and consumer application offered by Google. It offers satellite imagery, aerial photography, street maps, 360° interactive panorama, interactive panoramic views of streets (Google Street View, Street View ...
*
TomTom
*
Mapscape BV
*
Mapbox
References
External links
Official websiteAutoNavi Maps
{{Alibaba Group
Companies based in Beijing
Companies formerly listed on the Nasdaq
Alibaba Group acquisitions
2014 mergers and acquisitions
Chinese brands