Google Maps vs Valhalla

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Google Maps

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Valhalla

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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.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

Advice on Google Maps and Valhalla
  1. 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.

  2. 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?

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Replies (1)

You could use a low-code platform to read the spreadsheet and use them as input for the pin pointing. The most expert provider would HERE or TomTom for the best routing algoritmes. Input parameters would be dependent on the chosen provider.

I see your stack is mostly Google and I am not familiar with that. But we have implemented this through the M365 Teams/SharePoint, Excell, MS PowerPlatform, our WMS and Azure.

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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 · 160.2K 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 Google Maps
Pros of Valhalla
  • 253
    Free
  • 136
    Address input through maps api
  • 81
    Sharable Directions
  • 47
    Google Earth
  • 46
    Unique
  • 3
    Custom maps designing
  • 2
    Open source

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Cons of Google Maps
Cons of Valhalla
  • 4
    Google Attributions and logo
  • 1
    Only map allowed alongside google place autocomplete
    Be the first to leave a con

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    What is 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.

    What is Valhalla?

    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.

    Need advice about which tool to choose?Ask the StackShare community!

    What companies use Google Maps?
    What companies use Valhalla?
    See which teams inside your own company are using Google Maps or Valhalla.
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    What tools integrate with Google Maps?
    What tools integrate with Valhalla?

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    What are some alternatives to Google Maps and Valhalla?
    Mapbox
    We make it possible to pin travel spots on Pinterest, find restaurants on Foursquare, and visualize data on GitHub.
    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.
    TomTom
    It is the leading independent location technology specialist, shaping mobility with highly accurate maps, navigation, real-time traffic info and services.
    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.
    OpenLayers
    An opensource javascript library to load, display and render maps from multiple sources on web pages.
    See all alternatives