Google Maps Go vs OpenStreetMap

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

Google Maps Go is a Travel & Location solution with tags like maps, navigation, directions, traffic, lightweight.

It boasts features such as Lightweight app that uses less data and storage space, Essential mapping features like finding directions, exploring places, and traffic updates, Works offline - download maps to view when not connected to the internet, Location sharing and navigation features, Public transit directions and station info, Street View and indoor maps where available and pros including Small app size saves phone storage space, Uses less mobile data than full Google Maps app, Works offline with downloaded maps, Good for basic navigation needs, Free with no ads or purchases.

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 Maps Go

Google Maps Go

Google Maps Go is a lightweight version of the Google Maps app that uses less data and storage space. It has essential mapping features like finding directions, exploring local places, and getting real-time traffic updates.

Categories:
maps navigation directions traffic lightweight

Google Maps Go Features

  1. Lightweight app that uses less data and storage space
  2. Essential mapping features like finding directions, exploring places, and traffic updates
  3. Works offline - download maps to view when not connected to the internet
  4. Location sharing and navigation features
  5. Public transit directions and station info
  6. Street View and indoor maps where available

Pricing

  • Free

Pros

Small app size saves phone storage space

Uses less mobile data than full Google Maps app

Works offline with downloaded maps

Good for basic navigation needs

Free with no ads or purchases

Cons

Lacks some features of full Google Maps app

No option to download maps of entire countries/regions

Fewer details and customization options

Not ideal for complex trip planning


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:
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