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ArcGIS vs OpenStreetMap: What are the differences?

Introduction

When it comes to geographic information systems (GIS), two popular options are ArcGIS and OpenStreetMap. Both platforms provide valuable mapping and spatial analysis capabilities, but they differ in several key areas. Let's explore the key differences between ArcGIS and OpenStreetMap.

  1. Data Sources: ArcGIS relies on proprietary data sources, including data from commercial providers and government agencies. In contrast, OpenStreetMap is built on crowdsourced data, where users contribute and maintain the mapping data. This means that ArcGIS offers a wide range of authoritative data, while OpenStreetMap has more community-driven and potentially more up-to-date data.

  2. Cost: ArcGIS is a commercial software that requires a license, and the cost varies depending on the specific product and usage. OpenStreetMap, on the other hand, is open source and free to use. This makes OpenStreetMap a suitable option for users and organizations with limited budgets or those who prefer a more affordable solution.

  3. Customization: ArcGIS offers extensive customization options, allowing users to tailor the platform to their specific needs. This includes the ability to create custom data models, develop specialized workflows, and integrate with other enterprise systems. OpenStreetMap also supports customization, but it may require more technical expertise to implement and maintain.

  4. Community Participation: OpenStreetMap has a strong and vibrant community of contributors who actively participate in mapping and data updates. Anyone can contribute to OpenStreetMap by adding, editing, or verifying map features. ArcGIS, on the other hand, has a more controlled and curated approach to data updates, typically relying on authoritative sources. This can result in a more centralized and standardized dataset but may not be as responsive to local changes.

  5. Functionality: ArcGIS offers a wide range of advanced GIS functionality, including spatial analysis, geoprocessing, and 3D visualization. It also provides specialized solutions for different industries, such as agriculture, urban planning, and emergency management. OpenStreetMap, while more limited in terms of built-in functionality, allows for flexibility and the development of custom tools and applications.

  6. Integration with Other Systems: ArcGIS has extensive integration capabilities, allowing users to connect with a variety of data sources and systems. It offers APIs and SDKs for developers to build custom applications and workflows. OpenStreetMap also provides integration options, but the availability and level of integration may vary depending on the specific tools and platforms used.

In summary, ArcGIS offers a comprehensive GIS platform with authoritative data sources, extensive functionality, and customization options. It comes with a cost and is ideal for users who require a robust and well-supported GIS solution. OpenStreetMap, on the other hand, is free and open source, with community-driven data and customization opportunities. It may be more suitable for users or organizations with limited budgets or those who prefer a more flexible and collaborative mapping platform.

Advice on ArcGIS and OpenStreetMap

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."

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Replies (6)
Recommends
on
MapboxMapbox

I use Mapbox because We need 3D maps and navigation, it has a great plugin for React and React Native which we use. Also the Mapbox Geocoder is great.

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Blair Gemmer
Software Engineer at VYNYL · | 2 upvotes · 157.9K views
Recommends
on
Google MapsGoogle Maps

Google Maps is best because it is practically free (they give you $300 in free credits per month and it's really hard to go over the free tier unless you really mean business) and it's the best!

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Recommends
on
OpenStreetMapOpenStreetMap

I use OpenStreetMap because that has a strong community. It takes some time to catch up with Google Maps, but OpenStreetMap will become great solution.

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Shuuji TAKAHASHI
Recommends
on
Google MapsGoogle Maps

I use Google Maps because it has a lot of great features such as Google's rich APIs, geolocation functions, navigation search feature, street map view, auto-generated 3D city map.

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Recommends
on
OpenStreetMapOpenStreetMap

Its open source and we use it.

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Fabio Fraga Machado
Recommends
on
OpenStreetMapOpenStreetMap

I use OpenStreetMap because i have the control of the environment, using Docker containers or bare-metal servers.

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Pros of ArcGIS
Pros of OpenStreetMap
  • 7
    Reponsive
  • 4
    A lot of widgets
  • 4
    Data driven vizualisation
  • 2
    Easy tà learn
  • 2
    3D
  • 1
    Easy API
  • 22
    Simple
  • 17
    Free
  • 9
    Open-Source
  • 7
    Open-Data
  • 1
    React/ RNative integration

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What is 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.

What is 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.

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What companies use ArcGIS?
What companies use OpenStreetMap?
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What tools integrate with OpenStreetMap?

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What are some alternatives to ArcGIS and OpenStreetMap?
Google Maps
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.
Tableau
Tableau can help anyone see and understand their data. Connect to almost any database, drag and drop to create visualizations, and share with a click.
Mapbox
We make it possible to pin travel spots on Pinterest, find restaurants on Foursquare, and visualize data on GitHub.
Power BI
It aims to provide interactive visualizations and business intelligence capabilities with an interface simple enough for end users to create their own reports and dashboards.
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.
See all alternatives