Hikar

Nick Whitelegg | Navigation

7 Downloads 15 Views v0.3 4.85 MB 4.1+

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(4.85 MB)

Editor's Overview

Hikar is a navigation application developed by Nick Whitelegg, packaged as a single Android APK of version 0.3 weighing in at 4.85 MB. The package targets Android 4.1+ and above. Below you'll find the publisher's own description, a quick spec sheet, and a short buyer-beware checklist so you know exactly what you're installing before tapping download.

Install Checklist

Only download through the button on this page — never from third-party mirrors or shortened links, which are the most common way malware spreads.
File size is a light 4.85 MB, so it installs quickly even on modest connections.
This build is signed by "Nick Whitelegg" — always verify the developer name matches what's listed on the app's official store page before installing an update.
After install, Android may prompt you to allow "Install from unknown sources" — approve only this one install, then revoke the permission in Settings > Apps > Special access.
We link directly to the APK file or the publisher's repository; we do not modify the binary. Always run a virus scan after any sideloaded install.

About this app

Hikar is an augmented reality app for Android (4.2+) which overlays footpaths from OpenStreetMap on the device's camera feed and shows virtual signposts.

Its aim is to help navigation for walkers/hikers (hence the name) and other outdoor users. For example, imagine you are entering a large field and it's not clear where the exit is. Hikar will overlay the course of the footpath on your phone's camera feed helping you to navigate across the field. Or, you're at a junction of paths and it's not clear which is the correct way. Hikar will show a virtual signpost, showing the direction and distance of nearby points of interest such as villages, hills, mountains or pubs. Or, you're having to make your way across a pathless moor. Again, Hikar will help you find the way.

Hikar covers the whole of Europe, plus Turkey. It could potentially work in any area which uses Roman, Greek or Cyrillic characters, but the Hikar server (also FLOSS software: see gitlab.com/nickw1/freemap-api) currently only contains data for the specified areas.
Note that Hikar is a research project and therefore, while perfectly usable for navigation it is not a 'polished' app with a really nice UI and, like many AR apps, can use a lot of battery power.

Please note, that for a currently-unknown reason, Hikar will not run on the Amazon Fire HD 10 (and possibly other Amazon Fire devices).

Many thanks to my colleague Neil Brewis for providing the signpost assets.

Details

Version	v0.3
Size	4.85 MB
Developer	Nick Whitelegg
Category	Navigation
Package	freemap.hikar
Android	4.1+
Last Updated	Oct 29, 2026
Downloads	7

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hikar free to download?
Yes. The APK file linked from this page is free. The developer may offer in-app purchases once installed, but obtaining the installer itself costs nothing.

What Android version does Hikar require?
Android 4.1+ or newer. Installing on older devices may cause crashes or refuse to install.

Is Hikar safe to install?
We link to the exact APK published by Nick Whitelegg. We do not modify the file. Still, as with any sideloaded app, scan it with a reputable antivirus before opening it, and only grant permissions the app genuinely needs.

How do I update Hikar?
Install the newer version on top of the old one — Android will keep your data. If the signature differs, uninstall first (you may lose local progress).

Why is the app not installing?
Common causes: not enough storage, an older Android version than 4.1+, or a conflicting build already installed. Free up space, check your OS version, and uninstall any previous copy before retrying.

How to Download & Install Hikar

Tap the Download APK button above and save the file to your device.
Open your device Settings → Security (or Apps → Special access → Install unknown apps) and allow your file manager or browser to install unknown apps for this one file only.
Open the downloaded freemap.hikar.apk file from your Downloads folder.
Tap Install and wait for Android to finish.
Open «Hikar» by Nick Whitelegg and grant only the permissions it actually needs.
Revoke the "unknown sources" permission once you are done installing.

Note: this page hosts or links to the installer only. The application name, icon and description are provided for identification. All trademarks belong to their respective owners.