Top Alternatives to Google Maps API
Maps have become an essential tracking tool without which you can’t do anything. They are an essential component of any company’s logistics planning and geolocation services. Maps are utilized to improve overall business efficiency since they allow you to precisely watch traffic, calculate distance, and thus provide accurate time estimates into your logistics schedule.
Google Maps is the most widely used map API globally, utilizing websites, businesses, and organizations. This mapping API is the most effective way for offline companies to convert internet visits into foot traffic to their physical locations. But in recent years, the Google Maps API has shown a significant increase in prices, and it’s free feature options have been reduced. And these developments might have a direct effect on the budget that most companies and merchants have to invest in their web services. Furthermore, the Google Maps API also showed certain modification restrictions and is not an open-source option, affecting the work of developers in this product.
As a result, many professionals and businesses began to look for alternatives to this API to continue using store locators and other map services on their websites. If you’re seeking an alternative Google Maps API, we can assist you with that. In this article, we have shared the list of the five finest Google Map APIs alternatives.
Top 5 Alternatives of Google Map APIs
1) Mapbox API
Mapbox is the most prominent Google Maps API alternative among developers and companies. They have been in business since 2010 and began as a free map data and analysis service for non-profit organizations. They currently provide map tools and data to players such as Facebook, Lonely Planet, and Foursquare. Mapbox API services are no longer accessible, but the firm remains open-source-minded, contributing to the mapping services community by releasing code and continuously supporting mapping apps.
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Pros
- There are a plethora of web and mobile applications that are already being utilized by both B2B and B2C clients. As a result, you can use this as a starting point to create your app or to get ideas from blogs.
- Their open-source APIs SDK facilitates the process of designing, developing, and implementing apps by utilizing customized Apps, and their inbuilt functionality makes the whole task much easier.
- Compared to Google, it is less expensive and gives 50,000 map views per month, whereas Google provides up to 40,000 directions requests per month on their free plan. It is also simpler when compared to Google Maps.
- Outstanding performance when it comes to loading maps and dealing with significant amounts of data.
- Offline mode is wholly supported, and the amount of maps that can be downloaded is unlimited.
Cons
- It has less coverage than Google Maps since it is based on OpenStreetMap, an open-source project.
- The API's learning curve may be slightly lengthier for those who have never used this Google Maps API alternative.
- Certain regions may have data restrictions since they rely on mapping data provided by community mapping services.
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2) OpenStreetMap
The OpenStreetMap API is one of the free Google Maps API alternatives. It is an open-source project in which people from all around the world contribute routes, images, and other map data. The public is now able to access the map service and database. Although OpenStreetMap is a free, open-source initiative, commercial apps cannot utilize the API to obtain real-time routing data. The OpenStreetMap API can only provide vector data for map modification. This means you’ll still need to use OpenStreetMap-based services like Mapbox to query location data from your app.
Pros
- It is completely free. There is no charge for using OpenStreetMap data by individuals or businesses.
- Since a vast number of contributors provide fresh information regularly, the database is constantly updated and growing.
- Several paid mapping APIs and applications use OpenStreetMap data.
Cons
- You'll need to build or acquire a mapping service solution to leverage their database. Its mapping API functionality is simple, as its goal is to make map data more accessible and up to date.
- Their data exchange volume is limited because the project's goal is not to become a mapping service. As a result, users can be banned if they enter a large number of data requests.
- Limited use as features like routing and map clustering relies on third-party APIs.
3) TomTom
TomTom is one of the first platforms to consider a trustworthy Google Maps API competitor. It provides developers with 2,500 free daily transactions, global customer support, and a very lucrative pay-as-you-grow credit plan. You can use TomTom to see maps, search for places, view traffic density, and find the best routes from point A to B.
Pros
- Reliable mapping solution, with years of experience in satellite navigation.
- Provides various mapping functions such as vector maps, traffic density, location search, and route finding.
- The fee charged can be reduced based on the number of requests or usage.
Cons
- It is a fee-based service. After the first 2,500 free requests, it charges up to $0.50 per 1,000 inquiries.
- The API is not being updated regularly.
Explore TomTom Maps APIs here
4) Mapillary
Mapillary is widely used in the creation of smart city maps. With computer vision techniques integrated into their maps, it’s simple to generate and use the map to extract more relevant data. Integrate images into any program, tool, or web page by adding workflows to your extracted map data. It includes advanced computer vision algorithms for object detection, traffic sign extraction, and picture visualization.
Pros
- You can utilize their APIs for mapping, crowdsourced images, social media collaboration, and understanding social behavior.
- The maps allow you to visualize, query, and interact with a set of vector and raster tiles.
- It offers a free tier plan and is open data that anybody can access.
Cons
- Mapillary has sensitive information that is blurred, but if you still want any images containing personal information, you need to think about it carefully before commercializing it.
- According to online reviews, the loading speed of the maps is significantly longer than that of Google because of the many images which must be shown. Furthermore, as they offer more user interfaces than Google, users may be confused about using the application.
4) OsmAnd
This mapping API, created by a Dutch firm, provides an alternative to Google Maps for Android and iOS users. OsmAnd delivers most of the same features like Google Maps, such as sharing locations and discovering nearby areas of interest. Despite this, they utilize OpenStreetMap to create their maps instead of having their mapping data.
Pros
- It also can display some satellite images from Bing
- It is fully customized
- It provides excellent offline usage by allowing users to download entire maps from regions or nations.
Cons
- OsmAnd relies on the OpenStreetMap mapping community, therefore certain regions are not mapped or are not fully mapped. Because of this, the API may direct users to unknown places or routes that do not exist.
The Final Verdict
If you want to make your app or API concept a reality, contact Latitude Technolabs. One of our design and development professionals will gladly discuss your project with you and explore the best development and API integration alternatives for you based on your ideas, circumstances, and needs.
