Google Earth vs OpenStreetMap

Struggling to choose between Google Earth and OpenStreetMap? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

Google Earth is a Travel & Location solution with tags like satellite, imagery, 3d, maps, navigation, earth.

It boasts features such as 3D satellite imagery, Street view, Navigation tools, Layer data, Real-time weather data, Sun positioning data, Ability to view locations globally and pros including Highly detailed satellite imagery, Intuitive navigation, Powerful visualization tools, Educational and informative, Integrates well with other Google services.

On the other hand, OpenStreetMap is a Travel & Location product tagged with open-source, crowdsourced, map, navigation.

Its standout features include Crowd-sourced map data, Open data licensed under ODbL, Worldwide geographic data, Ability to edit and update data, Variety of data types like roads, buildings, points of interest, Customizable map rendering, and it shines with pros like Free to use and open source, Frequent data updates from large volunteer community, Very detailed maps, especially in urban areas, Data can be downloaded for use in other projects, Active local mapping communities.

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

Google Earth

Google Earth

Google Earth is a desktop and mobile virtual globe software that renders a 3D representation of the Earth. It allows users to view satellite imagery, maps, 3D terrain, panoramic street-level imagery, and real-time weather and sun positioning data. Users can view locations around the world, explore in a 3D view, and access data layers such as transportation networks and populated places.

Categories:
Travel & Location Maps & Navigation
satellite imagery 3d maps navigation earth

Google Earth Features

  1. 3D satellite imagery
  2. Street view
  3. Navigation tools
  4. Layer data
  5. Real-time weather data
  6. Sun positioning data
  7. Ability to view locations globally

Pricing

  • Freemium

Pros

Highly detailed satellite imagery

Intuitive navigation

Powerful visualization tools

Educational and informative

Integrates well with other Google services

Cons

Requires constant internet connection

Can be resource intensive

Limited customization options

Some features require payment

OpenStreetMap

OpenStreetMap

OpenStreetMap is a free, open-source, crowd-sourced map of the world. Volunteers collect map data using GPS devices, aerial imagery, local knowledge, and other free sources to create and update the map database.

Categories:
Travel & Location Maps & Navigation
open-source crowdsourced map navigation

OpenStreetMap Features

  1. Crowd-sourced map data
  2. Open data licensed under ODbL
  3. Worldwide geographic data
  4. Ability to edit and update data
  5. Variety of data types like roads, buildings, points of interest
  6. Customizable map rendering

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Free to use and open source

Frequent data updates from large volunteer community

Very detailed maps, especially in urban areas

Data can be downloaded for use in other projects

Active local mapping communities

Cons

Data quality varies by region

Limited coverage in rural/unmapped areas

Less specialized than commercial alternatives

Relies on volunteers for updates so some areas may be outdated

Limited quality control over edits