The iOS version of Nokia Maps. Photo: AFP
The mapping and location-based service, named ' HERE', allows users to save maps for offline viewing and obtain public transport routes, and also includes voice-guided
navigation.
According to the Telegraph, in a blog post, a Nokia spokesman said that mapping products were 'integral' to the Finnish telecoms giant's future and 'a key way that we stand out from the crowd.'
"Today's digital mapping has amazing potential to grow into what we call computational cartography, the ability to produce maps on-demand and tailored to their actual use cases," the spokesman said.
"We also believe that this game-changing evolution in mapmaking should be available to more businesses and more people around the world - it should expand beyond cars and beyond Nokia devices," he added.
The move comes as the decision by Apple to impose its software and remove Google 's in September proved highly embarrassing for the company, which was forced to issue a public apology.