Google Maps vs OpenLayers

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Google Maps

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Google Maps vs OpenLayers: What are the differences?

Key Differences Between Google Maps and OpenLayers

Google Maps and OpenLayers are both popular mapping platforms used for displaying geographic data on web applications. While they share some similarities, there are several key differences that set them apart from each other. Here are the main differences between Google Maps and OpenLayers:

  1. Data Sources and Services: One major difference between Google Maps and OpenLayers is their data sources and services. Google Maps primarily uses its own proprietary data and services, including the Google Maps API and Google's extensive mapping database. On the other hand, OpenLayers is more flexible in terms of data sources and services, allowing users to access a wider range of map tile providers, services, and APIs.

  2. Pricing and Licensing: Another significant difference between Google Maps and OpenLayers is their pricing and licensing models. Google Maps has different pricing plans based on usage, and there may be restrictions on using Google Maps in certain commercial applications. OpenLayers, on the other hand, is an open-source library that is free to use and can be freely modified and distributed under the MIT license. This makes OpenLayers a more cost-effective option for developers and organizations with limited budgets.

  3. Customization and Extensibility: When it comes to customization and extensibility, OpenLayers offers more flexibility and control compared to Google Maps. OpenLayers provides a wide range of options for customizing map styles, adding overlays, and incorporating additional features. Developers can also extend the functionality of OpenLayers through the use of plugins and custom code. Google Maps, while offering some customization options, is more limited in terms of extensibility and customization.

  4. Offline Mapping Support: OpenLayers provides better support for offline mapping compared to Google Maps. OpenLayers allows users to download map tiles and store them locally, enabling offline access to maps and geospatial data. This can be particularly useful in scenarios where internet connectivity is limited or unavailable. In contrast, Google Maps primarily relies on online access and does not offer built-in support for offline mapping.

  5. Integration with Other Technologies: OpenLayers has better integration with other mapping and geospatial technologies compared to Google Maps. OpenLayers is built on standard web technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, making it easier to integrate with other libraries and frameworks. This interoperability allows developers to combine OpenLayers with other geospatial tools and technologies to create more complex and customized mapping applications. Google Maps, while providing integration with other Google services, may have limitations when it comes to integrating with non-Google technologies.

  6. Community and Support: OpenLayers has a vibrant and active community of users and developers who contribute to its development and provide support to fellow users. This community-driven approach ensures a constant stream of updates, bug fixes, and new features. Google Maps, while also having a large user base, relies more on official support channels provided by Google. The level of community involvement and support may vary between the two platforms.

In summary, the key differences between Google Maps and OpenLayers lie in their data sources and services, pricing and licensing models, customization and extensibility options, offline mapping support, integration capabilities, and community and support ecosystems. These differences allow users to choose the platform that best suits their specific mapping needs and requirements.

Advice on Google Maps and OpenLayers
  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 OpenLayers
  • 253
    Free
  • 136
    Address input through maps api
  • 81
    Sharable Directions
  • 47
    Google Earth
  • 46
    Unique
  • 3
    Custom maps designing
  • 15
    Flexibility
  • 11
    Maturity
  • 8
    Open Source
  • 7
    Incredibly comprehensive, excellent support
  • 4
    Extensible
  • 4
    Strong community
  • 4
    Choice of map providers
  • 3
    Low Level API
  • 1
    OpenStreetMap

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Cons of Google Maps
Cons of OpenLayers
  • 4
    Google Attributions and logo
  • 1
    Only map allowed alongside google place autocomplete
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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 OpenLayers?

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

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

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    What are some alternatives to Google Maps and OpenLayers?
    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.
    Here Maps
    The Open Location Platform company, enables people, businesses and cities to harness the power of location
    See all alternatives