Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Azure Maps VS Mapbox

Compare Azure Maps VS Mapbox and see what are their differences

Azure Maps logo Azure Maps

Add maps, search, routing, and traffic capabilities to your apps with Microsoft Azure Maps--geospatial services APIs that pair with IoT and Enterprise systems.

Mapbox logo Mapbox

An open source mapping platform for custom designed maps. Our APIs and SDKs are the building blocks to integrate location into any mobile or web app.
  • Azure Maps Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-03-13
  • Mapbox Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-03-06

Azure Maps

Pricing URL
-
$ Details
-
Release Date
-

Mapbox

Website
mapbox.com
$ Details
freemium
Release Date
2010 January
Startup details
Country
United States
Founder(s)
Bonnie Bogle
Employees
500 - 999

Azure Maps features and specs

  • Integration with Microsoft Ecosystem
    Azure Maps integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft services like Azure IoT, Power BI, and Dynamics 365, providing a cohesive environment for developers using the Microsoft ecosystem.
  • Global Coverage
    Azure Maps offers global geographic coverage, ensuring that users can access mapping data from virtually anywhere in the world.
  • High Scalability
    Built on the Microsoft Azure cloud platform, Azure Maps can easily scale to accommodate large volumes of requests, making it suitable for enterprises with high demands.
  • Rich API and SDK Support
    Azure Maps offers a comprehensive set of APIs and SDKs, providing developers with advanced capabilities for geolocation, routing, and data visualization.
  • Security Features
    Azure Maps benefits from Microsoft's robust security features, including data encryption, compliance certifications, and secure access controls.

Possible disadvantages of Azure Maps

  • Cost Considerations
    Azure Maps may have higher costs compared to other mapping services, especially for businesses with extensive usage requirements.
  • Complexity for Beginners
    For users new to Microsoft's cloud services, the wide array of features and integration options in Azure Maps can be overwhelming and complex to implement effectively.
  • Limited Offline Support
    Azure Maps primarily relies on an online connection, and its offline capabilities are limited, which may be a downside for applications requiring offline access.
  • Dependence on Microsoft's Ecosystem
    While integration with Microsoft services is a pro for some, it can also be a con for businesses that do not use or wish to commit to the Microsoft ecosystem, as this may limit interoperability with non-Microsoft products.
  • Availability in Some Regions
    Although Azure Maps has global coverage, certain advanced features or data sets may not be available in all regions, which could be a limitation for some users.

Mapbox features and specs

  • Customization
    Mapbox offers extensive customization options, allowing developers to create highly tailored map experiences, including custom styles and data visualizations.
  • User Experience
    Mapbox provides high-performance, interactive maps, ensuring a smooth and engaging user experience with quick response times and fluid animations.
  • Data Integration
    Mapbox supports integration with various data sources, enabling real-time updates and complex data overlays, which are beneficial for applications requiring dynamic data visualization.
  • Developer Tools
    Mapbox offers comprehensive developer tools, documentation, and SDKs for multiple platforms (web, iOS, Android), facilitating ease of development and deployment.
  • Community and Support
    Mapbox has a vibrant community and strong support system, including forums, tutorials, and direct support options, which help developers troubleshoot and innovate more effectively.

Possible disadvantages of Mapbox

  • Cost
    Mapbox can become expensive as usage scales, potentially increasing costs significantly for high-traffic applications or those requiring advanced features.
  • Learning Curve
    Due to its extensive customization features and capabilities, Mapbox may have a steeper learning curve for new developers compared to simpler mapping solutions.
  • Data Privacy
    There are concerns regarding data privacy and storage, as using external APIs may involve sharing user data with third-party services, which may not align with all privacy policies.
  • Dependency on Third-Party Service
    Relying on an external service like Mapbox for critical application functionality can pose risks related to service outages, changes in service terms, or API updates that require code modifications.
  • Offline Capabilities
    Although Mapbox provides some offline capabilities, these are limited compared to online functionalities, which may affect apps that require reliable offline access.

Azure Maps videos

Introducing Azure Maps Creator

More videos:

  • Review - Indoor Maps with Azure Maps

Mapbox videos

MAP Mapbox Review

More videos:

  • Demo - Mapbox Review with AR DEMO
  • Review - Code Review: OpenXC and MapBox

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Azure Maps and Mapbox)
Maps
6 6%
94% 94
Web Mapping
5 5%
95% 95
Maps & Navigation
100 100%
0% 0
Mapping And GIS
5 5%
95% 95

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Azure Maps and Mapbox

Azure Maps Reviews

Farewell, Google Maps
On the first glance, it seems that almost all providers would provide satisfactory experience as far as centre of Warsaw is concerned. One exception might be Azure Maps, which was made available just in the previous months. To be fair, Microsoft claims that perceived emptiness of its maps is intentional and for the benefit of its large corporate partners, who like to overlay...

Mapbox Reviews

6 Best GIS Software 2024
While Mapbox boasts an array of impressive features, it's essential to note that some functionalities are exclusive to the paid versions. Furthermore, the software primarily targets programmers who develop customized solutions. Programmatically harnessing Mapbox might pose a steep learning curve while engaging third parties for development work could incur extra costs....
Source: www.caliper.com
7 Alternatives to Google Maps for Navigation
One major advantage of Mapbox is the ability to make personalized maps with markers, routes, and buildings. Mapbox has many other advantages, such as access to good satellite images worldwide and advanced geocoding abilities.
5 Best Tools For Creating Your Own Interactive Maps
Mapbox is particularly constructed to optimize custom maps for portable devices. The tool gives you a strong free tier for almost all of its features even if you didn’t opt for a paid service. If you’re planning to develop an app or want to build a more suitable mobile site, Mapbox guarantees that your map is ready for phone users. Mapbox utilises the location feature on...
The Best Map Makers For 2022
One important thing to know: Mapbox Studio is the only map maker in this article that does not use Google Maps. Instead Mapbox uses Open Street Maps, a free, open-source wiki map of the world. Because of this you might notice different results when you search for an address on Google Maps and on Mapbox— they use a completely different data set.
5 Best Web Mapping Platforms – The Battle of Web GIS
MBTiles is the backbone for storing tilesets. Mapbox has a ton of customization features for personalized maps. But if you fully want to experience Mapbox, it’s all about the APIs. By using APIs, you can programmatically access Mapbox tools and services. Finally, Mapbox Studio is how to convert your data to tilesets and create styles. This is where Mapbox really knocks it...

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Mapbox should be more popular than Azure Maps. It has been mentiond 12 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Azure Maps mentions (3)

  • Understanding Mapbox API Integration: A Deep Dive
    Azure Maps: Microsoft's enterprise mapping solution featuring strong integration with Azure services, robust geospatial analytics, competitive compliance certifications, and specialized capabilities for IoT applications. - Source: dev.to / 13 days ago
  • Do I get wet feeds? Draw a flood map using Azure Maps Elevation API
    To start, we need to know which areas of land are almost below sea level so that we can plan and take additional actions. To make this visible we can use Azure Maps and use the Azure Maps Elevation Service to make a basic flood map. The Azure Maps Elevation Service provides pole-to-pole coverage with <4M absolute and <2m relative accuracy. The elevation data represents a digital terrain model (DTM), man-made... - Source: dev.to / almost 4 years ago
  • Create your own indoor maps using Azure Maps Creator
    By using the same technology for mapping outdoors we can use Azure Maps also for indoor mapping solutions. Azure Maps is a collection of geospatial services APIs and SDKs that use fresh mapping data to provide geographic context to web and mobile applications. Azure Maps Creator is the service that facilitates the creation of indoor maps using your own building drawings. Azure Maps has SDKs for Web, Android, and... - Source: dev.to / almost 4 years ago

Mapbox mentions (12)

  • Ask HN: Side project of more that $2k monthly revenue what's your project?
    Yeah domain knowledge/network is definitely needed, I am working with a friend who has that, it's a must in this field because it's almost set in the stone age. Google maps was crazy expensive I went with Mapbox[1] for now which seems to have enough features and is less expensive. [1] https://mapbox.com/. - Source: Hacker News / about 2 years ago
  • "Next Valley" My single-screen Windows theme
    ​ |Developer Notes| |:-| |Optional Power Shortcuts - Provides shortcuts to deeper links. Example: I wanted a one-touch button that opens the Developer Options menu. This app does this. Not required for core functionality of the theme.| |Allows 4 custom wallpapers, either local files or web links. Includes 2 add'l wallpapers pulled from Bing Daily and r/earthporn.| |The location and weather panel has a live map... Source: over 2 years ago
  • NEXT VALLEY - A single-screen Windows theme for KLWP [Sharing the whole damn thing]
    The location and weather panel has a live map displayed. Well, it won't for you, unless you grab a free API key from mapbox.com and paste it in the 1st global. Source: over 2 years ago
  • QGIS in PowerBI
    If you want to show polygons it is a bit more difficult. With the above map functions you can create a Choropleth map by using predefined regions (like countries, states etc.). But for custom polygons it won't work. You can either use ArcGIS Online in combination with the ArcGIS Maps for Power BI viz or use the Mapbox Visual function (you need to install this one first by pressing "Get more visuals"). You can... Source: over 2 years ago
  • How is this map made?
    They are using mapbox.com service and their API to build this map. Source: about 3 years ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing Azure Maps and Mapbox, you can also consider the following products

Maptitude - Maptitude is a mapping software that is fitted with GIS features that avail maps and other forms of data regarding the surrounding geographical areas. Read more about Maptitude.

Google Maps - Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

Esri ArcGIS - ArcGIS provides contextual tools for mapping and spatial reasoning so you can explore data & share location-based insights. ArcGIS is the heart of the Esri Geospatial Cloud. Try ArcGIS for free with 21-day trial.

OSGeo - QGIS is a desktop geographic information system, or GIS.

ArcGIS Pro - Explore ArcGIS Pro resources such as tutorials, videos, documentation, instructor-led classes & more. Find answers, build expertise and connect with the ArcGIS Pro community.

ArcGIS - ArcGIS software is a data analysis, cloud-based mapping platform that allows users to customize maps and see real-time data ranging from logistics support to overall mapping analysis.