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OpenStreetMap

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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.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

Advice on OpenStreetMap 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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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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Blair Gemmer
Software Engineer at VYNYL · | 2 upvotes · 174.1K 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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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 OpenStreetMap
Pros of Valhalla
  • 23
    Simple
  • 17
    Free
  • 9
    Open-Source
  • 8
    Open-Data
  • 1
    React/ RNative integration
  • 3
    Open source

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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.

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.

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What companies use OpenStreetMap?
What companies use Valhalla?
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What tools integrate with OpenStreetMap?
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What are some alternatives to OpenStreetMap and Valhalla?
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.
Mapbox
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OpenLayers
An opensource javascript library to load, display and render maps from multiple sources on web pages.
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.
ArcGIS
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