OpenStreetMap vs Valhalla

Overview

OpenStreetMap

Stacks253

Followers473

Votes58

Valhalla

Stacks14

Followers58

Votes3

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.

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Advice on OpenStreetMap, Valhalla

StackShare

Apr 4, 2019

Needs advice

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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Comments

Duane

Feb 5, 2021

Needs advice

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?

41.1k views41.1k

Comments

Detailed Comparison

OpenStreetMap	Valhalla
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.	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.
Emphasizes local knowledge; Contributors use aerial imagery, GPS devices, and low-tech field maps to verify that OSM is accurate and up to date; Built by a community of mappers that contribute and maintain data	Flexible routes and options; Narrative guidance; Timely data updates
Statistics
Stacks 253	Stacks 14
Followers 473	Followers 58
Votes 58	Votes 3
Pros & Cons
Pros 23 Simple 17 Free 9 Open-Source 8 Open-Data 1 React/ RNative integration	Pros 3 Open source

What are some alternatives to OpenStreetMap, 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

We make it possible to pin travel spots on Pinterest, find restaurants on Foursquare, and visualize data on GitHub.

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.

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.

CSV2GEO

It provides live conversion of batch addresses into geographic coordinates (address to lat long) or turn coordinates into well formatted address. It creates and publishes interactive maps.

MapTiler

It is a software for map tile rendering. It has been designed for producing seamless maps and aerial photo layers covering whole countries. The rendering is fast and efficient, and it can fully utilize multiple CPUs to 100%.

MAPS.ME

MAPS.ME is an open source cross-platform offline maps application, built on top of crowd-sourced OpenStreetMap data. It was publicly released for iOS and Android.

LocationIQ

Free and Fast Geocoding Service

Stadia Maps

We enable devs to contextualize their data on a map and build complicated apps involving routing, time zones, and more with our APIs. We hate billing surprises as much as you, and if you send us an email, you'll get a real human reply.

Related Comparisons

OpenStreetMap vs Valhalla: What are the differences?

Introduction

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.

OpenStreetMap vs Valhalla

Overview

OpenStreetMap vs Valhalla: What are the differences?