Mapnik vs what3words

Struggling to choose between Mapnik and what3words? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

Mapnik is a Development solution with tags like open-source, mapping, visualization, analysis, spatial-data.

It boasts features such as Rendering engine for creating map images, Supports various data sources like PostGIS, Shapefiles, GeoJSON, etc, Styling through CartoCSS syntax, Tile rendering for web maps, Python and Node.js bindings available and pros including Open source and free, High performance and scalability, Cross platform, Active development community, Integrates with other tools like MapServer, GeoServer etc.

On the other hand, what3words is a Travel & Location product tagged with geocoding, mapping, location, coordinates, navigation.

Its standout features include Divides the world into 3m x 3m squares and assigns each a unique 3 word address, Allows people to identify and share precise locations using just 3 words, Available as a mobile app and online map interface, Supports voice input for addresses, Provides APIs for integration into other apps and services, and it shines with pros like Easy to remember and share location addresses, More precise than street addresses, Works offline, Wide language support, Free for consumers.

Feature	Mapnik	what3words
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Primary Category	Development	Travel & Location

Product Overview

Mapnik

Description: Mapnik is an open source toolkit for developing mapping applications. It provides components for spatial data access, visualization, and analysis. Mapnik supports many common data formats and allows customization of map styles.

what3words

Description: what3words is a geocoding system that divides the world into 3 meter squares and assigns each square a unique 3 word address. It allows people to easily share their precise location.

Key Features Comparison

Mapnik Features

• Rendering engine for creating map images
• Supports various data sources like PostGIS, Shapefiles, GeoJSON, etc
• Styling through CartoCSS syntax
• Tile rendering for web maps
• Python and Node.js bindings available

what3words Features

• Divides the world into 3m x 3m squares and assigns each a unique 3 word address
• Allows people to identify and share precise locations using just 3 words
• Available as a mobile app and online map interface
• Supports voice input for addresses
• Provides APIs for integration into other apps and services

Pros & Cons Analysis

Mapnik

Pros

• Open source and free
• High performance and scalability
• Cross platform
• Active development community
• Integrates with other tools like MapServer, GeoServer etc

Cons

• Steep learning curve
• Limited documentation and examples
• No GUI, requires coding skills
• Not beginner friendly

what3words

Pros

• Easy to remember and share location addresses
• More precise than street addresses
• Works offline
• Wide language support
• Free for consumers

Cons

• Requires app download or web access
• Limited adoption so far
• Addresses can change over time
• Paid APIs for commercial use
• Limited to predefined 3 word dictionary

Pricing Comparison

Mapnik

• Open Source

what3words

• Free
• Freemium
• Subscription-Based