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OpenStreetMap vs Valhalla: What are the differences?
Introduction
OpenStreetMap (OSM) and Valhalla are two different mapping technologies that offer unique features and functionalities. Understanding the key differences between these two can help in choosing the right mapping solution for specific needs. This document highlights six significant differences between OpenStreetMap and Valhalla.
Data Source: OpenStreetMap is a community-driven project that allows users to contribute and edit geographic data. It relies on the efforts of individual contributors to gather, verify, and update data. Valhalla, on the other hand, utilizes data from various sources, including OpenStreetMap, to create its own database.
Routing and Navigation: OpenStreetMap provides routing and navigation information based on the available road network and transportation infrastructure. Valhalla, however, goes beyond basic routing and offers advanced features like multimodal routing (incorporating public transit, cycling, walking, etc.), time-based restrictions, and customizable routing profiles.
Geocoding: OpenStreetMap provides geocoding capabilities, allowing users to convert addresses or place names into geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude). Valhalla also includes geocoding functionality but offers additional features like reverse geocoding (converting coordinates into addresses) and advanced search capabilities.
Offline Accessibility: OpenStreetMap can be downloaded and used offline, with offline maps and routing data available for various devices and platforms. Valhalla also supports offline usage, enabling users to download map data and route information for offline navigation. However, this functionality may require additional setup and configuration.
API and Integration: OpenStreetMap provides a comprehensive API (Application Programming Interface) that allows developers to access and interact with its data. It is widely used and supported by numerous applications and services. Valhalla also offers an API but focuses more on providing a specialized routing and navigation engine that can be integrated into applications and platforms.
Customization and Extensions: OpenStreetMap is highly customizable, allowing users to add new data layers, tags, and map styles to fit specific requirements. It offers extensive tagging schemes that enable the representation of various attributes and features on the map. Valhalla, while utilizing OpenStreetMap data, does not provide the same level of customization. It primarily focuses on providing powerful routing and navigation capabilities.
In summary, OpenStreetMap is a community-driven mapping project with a wide range of contributions, offering extensive customization and support. Valhalla, on the other hand, leverages various data sources, provides advanced routing and navigation features, and offers offline accessibility while focusing on specialized use cases.
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?
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.
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."
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.
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.
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!
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.
I use OpenStreetMap because i have the control of the environment, using Docker containers or bare-metal servers.
Pros of OpenStreetMap
- Simple23
- Free17
- Open-Source9
- Open-Data8
- React/ RNative integration1
Pros of Valhalla
- Open source3
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What is OpenStreetMap?
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