Overview

Google Maps

Stacks42.5K

Followers29.8K

Votes568

Valhalla

Stacks14

Followers58

Votes3

Google Maps vs Valhalla: What are the differences?

Introduction

Google Maps and Valhalla are both popular mapping platforms that offer various navigation and routing services. While both provide similar functionalities, there are key differences between the two that make them unique.

Data Sources: One major difference between Google Maps and Valhalla is their data sources. Google Maps extensively utilizes its own proprietary data, including satellite imagery and street view, while also incorporating data from third-party sources. On the other hand, Valhalla primarily relies on OpenStreetMap (OSM) data, which is an open-source mapping platform built by a community of contributors worldwide. This distinction in data sources can result in differences in accuracy and coverage between the two platforms.
Cost: Another important difference lies in the cost structure of using Google Maps and Valhalla. Google Maps offers both free and paid usage plans, with the paid plans providing more advanced features and higher usage limits. Valhalla, on the other hand, is an open-source platform that is free to use. This makes Valhalla an attractive option for developers and organizations looking for a cost-effective solution without sacrificing functionality.
Customization and Control: Valhalla offers greater customization and control options compared to Google Maps. With Valhalla, developers have the ability to customize and fine-tune the routing algorithms and map rendering based on their specific requirements. This level of control allows for the creation of unique and tailored map applications. In contrast, Google Maps provides pre-built routing and mapping functionalities that are not as easily customizable.
Integration with Existing Infrastructures: Google Maps has extensive integration with other Google services and products, making it seamless to incorporate maps and location-based features within various applications. For example, integration with Google Places allows for easy searching and displaying of nearby points of interest. In contrast, Valhalla may require more effort and customization to integrate with existing infrastructures and other services, as it is not directly linked with a larger ecosystem of products like Google Maps.
Live Traffic and Real-time Updates: Google Maps offers real-time traffic information, providing users with up-to-date insights on congestion, accidents, and alternative routes. This feature is powered by Google's vast data collection and analysis capabilities. Valhalla, while capable of incorporating traffic data, relies on external sources for obtaining real-time updates. Hence, the availability and accuracy of live traffic information may vary compared to Google Maps.
Offline Availability: Google Maps provides extensive offline availability for maps and navigation, allowing users to download specific areas they need to access without an internet connection. Valhalla, being focused primarily on routing and navigation, does not offer built-in offline map downloads. However, developers can build offline capabilities using Valhalla by implementing their own map caching and storage mechanisms.

In summary, Google Maps utilizes proprietary data and offers extensive integration options, along with real-time traffic updates and offline availability. Valhalla, on the other hand, relies on OpenStreetMap data, provides customization and fine-tuning options, is cost-effective, and offers potential freedom from vendor lock-in. The choice between the two platforms ultimately depends on specific requirements, budget constraints, and the level of customization needed.

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Advice on Google Maps, Valhalla

StackShare

Apr 4, 2019

Needs advice

From a StackShare Community member: "We're a team of two starting to write a mobile app. The app will heavily rely on maps and this is where my partner and I are not seeing eye-to-eye. I would like to go with an open source solution like OpenStreetMap that is used by Apple & Foursquare. He would like to go with Google Maps since more apps use it and has better support (according to him). Mapbox is also an option but I don’t know much about it."

183k views183k

Comments

Duane

Feb 5, 2021

Needs advice

I would like to input a spreadsheet with names and associated addresses into a map program to; pinpoint all of the locations on a map. How can I do that? On which map? Are there field size limitations? All help would be appreciated.
There is a subdivision that is about one(1) mile by 3/4 mile in size. Is there a map program that would create the most efficient way to drive all of the streets in the subdivision without a lot of doubling back?

41.1k views41.1k

Comments

Detailed Comparison

Google Maps	Valhalla
Create rich applications and stunning visualisations of your data, leveraging the comprehensiveness, accuracy, and usability of Google Maps and a modern web platform that scales as you grow.	Valhalla is Mapzen’s open-source routing service for client-side routing applications and hosted solutions. If you are looking to avoid the challenge of data creation and database administration, you can get high-quality routes and navigational guidance with clear directions through a simple API call.
Maps Image APIs;Places API;Web Services;Google Earth API;Maps API Licensing;Google Maps API for Work	Flexible routes and options; Narrative guidance; Timely data updates
Statistics
Stacks 42.5K	Stacks 14
Followers 29.8K	Followers 58
Votes 568	Votes 3
Pros & Cons
Pros 253 Free 136 Address input through maps api 82 Sharable Directions 47 Google Earth 46 Unique Cons 5 Google Attributions and logo 2 Only map allowed alongside google place autocomplete	Pros 3 Open source

What are some alternatives to Google Maps, Valhalla?

Mapbox

We make it possible to pin travel spots on Pinterest, find restaurants on Foursquare, and visualize data on GitHub.

Leaflet

Leaflet is an open source JavaScript library for mobile-friendly interactive maps. It is developed by Vladimir Agafonkin of MapBox with a team of dedicated contributors. Weighing just about 30 KB of gzipped JS code, it has all the features most developers ever need for online maps.

OpenStreetMap

OpenStreetMap is built by a community of mappers that contribute and maintain data about roads, trails, cafés, railway stations, and much more, all over the world.

OpenLayers

An opensource javascript library to load, display and render maps from multiple sources on web pages.

ArcGIS

It is a geographic information system for working with maps and geographic information. It is used for creating and using maps, compiling geographic data, analyzing mapped information, sharing and much more.

CSV2GEO

It provides live conversion of batch addresses into geographic coordinates (address to lat long) or turn coordinates into well formatted address. It creates and publishes interactive maps.

MapTiler

It is a software for map tile rendering. It has been designed for producing seamless maps and aerial photo layers covering whole countries. The rendering is fast and efficient, and it can fully utilize multiple CPUs to 100%.

MAPS.ME

MAPS.ME is an open source cross-platform offline maps application, built on top of crowd-sourced OpenStreetMap data. It was publicly released for iOS and Android.

LocationIQ

Free and Fast Geocoding Service

Stadia Maps

We enable devs to contextualize their data on a map and build complicated apps involving routing, time zones, and more with our APIs. We hate billing surprises as much as you, and if you send us an email, you'll get a real human reply.