OpenStreetMap vs Mapcarta

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

OpenStreetMap is a Travel & Location solution with tags like open-source, crowdsourced, map, navigation.

It boasts features such as 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 pros including 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.

On the other hand, Mapcarta is a Travel & Location product tagged with maps, navigation, travel, locations.

Its standout features include Interactive maps with zoom and pan capabilities, Detailed maps for cities, countries and regions worldwide, Ability to search for and explore locations, Information cards for places with photos, descriptions and links, Customizable maps and embeds, Shareable map links, Available in multiple languages, and it shines with pros like Free to use with no signup required, Intuitive, user-friendly interface, High quality map graphics and data, Comprehensive global coverage, Easily embeddable and shareable, Frequent updates with new locations and data.

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.

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

Mapcarta

Mapcarta

Mapcarta is an interactive map service that allows users to explore locations around the world. It provides detailed maps and information for cities, countries, and regions. Mapcarta maps can be embedded or shared easily.

Categories:
Travel & Location Maps & Navigation
maps navigation travel locations

Mapcarta Features

  1. Interactive maps with zoom and pan capabilities
  2. Detailed maps for cities, countries and regions worldwide
  3. Ability to search for and explore locations
  4. Information cards for places with photos, descriptions and links
  5. Customizable maps and embeds
  6. Shareable map links
  7. Available in multiple languages

Pricing

  • Freemium

Pros

Free to use with no signup required

Intuitive, user-friendly interface

High quality map graphics and data

Comprehensive global coverage

Easily embeddable and shareable

Frequent updates with new locations and data

Cons

Limited customization options compared to paid mapping platforms

No advanced features like directions, traffic data or custom layers

Lower level of detail than Google Maps in some areas

Lacks street view and indoor mapping capabilities

Primarily focused on exploration rather than navigation