MapLight
Free
MapLight reveals the influence of money in politics, providing tools and data to help citizens track contributions and lobbying efforts on U.S. legislation.

Our take
Shedding light on financial influence in politics.
So, I took MapLight for a spin recently, and I gotta say, it’s got some cool features, but it’s not all rainbows and sunshine. First off, **the interface is pretty straightforward**, which is great if you’re someone who just wants to get the job done without fussing around. It loads maps quickly and has a clean layout that's easy to navigate. But if you’re into customizing every tiny detail, you might find it a bit lacking. There’s a simplicity here that some will love and others might find limiting.
When it comes to mapping out routes, **MapLight does a solid job**. The directions are clear, and it calculated my routes pretty efficiently, avoiding most of the usual traffic mess. It was like having a buddy in the passenger seat who knows a shortcut or two. But, there were times when it suggested some head-scratchers of detours, like taking the scenic route when you’re just trying to get to the grocery store. So, if you’re using it, keep your common sense handy.
The real selling point for me was the way it integrates with other apps. **You can sync it up with your calendar or contacts**, and it’ll remind you when to leave for meetings or appointments. That’s a nifty feature if you’re juggling a busy schedule and tend to lose track of time. However, sometimes the notifications can be a bit overenthusiastic. If you’re not careful, you might find yourself bombarded with reminders, which can feel more like nagging than helping.
Now, onto the reliability. On most days, **MapLight worked like a charm**, but there were a few hiccups. Once, it completely froze on me just as I was about to hit the road, which wasn’t exactly ideal. After restarting the app, it was back to business, but that kind of glitch can be a real nuisance if you’re in a hurry. It’s worth noting that the app doesn’t chew through data or battery life too badly, which is always a plus in my book.
In the end, **MapLight is a decent tool if you’re looking for basic, no-frills navigation**. It’s not perfect, and there are definitely some quirks, but it’s generally reliable and user-friendly. If you’re the type who just wants to get from point A to point B without a lot of hassle, it’s worth trying out. Just be prepared for the occasional odd route suggestion and maybe a glitch here and there. You might not find a life-changing experience here, but it does what it says on the tin.
You may also like

Free with premium options

Free and Premium options

Free