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Nokia has started offering its smart2go mapping and navigation software as a free download for a select number of S60 and Windows Mobile devices.

The application allows people to view where they are on a map, search for points-of-interests (e.g. sights, restaurants, accommodations etc.) around them and create routes to get them there. You may choose to download smart2Go over-the-air directly to your device or side-load the software through a PC.

Map data from Tele-Atlas and Navteq - the two major providers of this type of information - can be downloaded directly via wireless network (e.g. GPRS/3G/WLAN) and stored on the devices memory card as needed. If all the desired map data is stored, no network connection is needed for mapping, routing and navigation. For managing downloads of bigger sizes there is an additional PC desktop tool available.

GPS-aware platform allows for mapping and routing in over 150 countries and has support for full turn-by-turn satellite navigation in over 30 countries.

Nokia plans to pre-install smart2go on all future NSeries smartphones under the name Nokia Maps. The cell phone giant plans to roll out support for most of the major mobile platforms, including additional S60 and Windows Mobile devices, Series 40 - used for many of Nokia's feature phones - and Linux.

Undoubtedly Nokia would like to see many of the folks who download smart2go for free upgrade to the version that offers voice-guided turn-by-turn navigation. Licenses vary from only one week to three years. Pricing hasn't been disclosed yet.