Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Google Maps API VS uMap

Compare Google Maps API VS uMap and see what are their differences

Google Maps API logo Google Maps API

Choose Google Maps Platform to create immersive location experiences and make better business decisions with accurate real time data & dynamic imagery.

uMap logo uMap

uMap let you create maps with OpenStreetMap layers in a minute and embed them in your site.
  • Google Maps API Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-08-21
  • uMap Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-30

Google Maps API features and specs

  • Comprehensive Coverage
    Google Maps API offers detailed and extensive global coverage, making it ideal for applications that require accurate location data worldwide.
  • Regular Updates
    The platform benefits from frequent updates, ensuring that the map data is current and incorporates the latest geographical changes and business listings.
  • Integration with Other Google Services
    Seamless integration with other Google services and APIs, such as Google Places, allows for the development of enriched, feature-complete applications.
  • Robust Documentation and Support
    Google provides comprehensive documentation, tutorials, and community support, making it easier for developers to troubleshoot and implement features.
  • Customizability
    The API offers various customization options, allowing developers to tailor the map's appearance and behavior to suit the specific needs of their application.
  • Strong Analytics
    With integrated analytics, developers can gain insights into how their application is being used, which can inform future development and optimization efforts.

Possible disadvantages of Google Maps API

  • Cost
    The pricing model can get expensive, especially for applications with high traffic or extensive API usage, posing a challenge for budget-constrained projects.
  • Complexity
    The extensive feature set and customization options can make the API overwhelming and complex for new developers or those with limited experience.
  • Performance Issues
    In some cases, users have reported latency or performance issues, particularly when rendering complex or high-density map visualizations.
  • Rate Limits
    API usage is subject to rate limits, which can restrict the number of requests made within a certain time frame, potentially impacting application performance during peak periods.
  • Privacy Concerns
    Using Google's services often involves sharing data with Google, which may not align with privacy policies or preferences, especially in regions with strict data protection regulations.

uMap features and specs

  • Open Source
    uMap is open source, which means it can be freely used, modified, and distributed by anyone. This ensures transparency and flexibility for developers.
  • Customizability
    uMap allows users to create custom maps with versatile features such as markers, lines, and shapes, catering to specific user needs.
  • Integration with OpenStreetMap
    uMap integrates seamlessly with OpenStreetMap, providing users with accurate, up-to-date geographical data.
  • Ease of Use
    The platform is user-friendly and does not require extensive technical knowledge to start creating custom maps.
  • Sharing and Embedding
    Maps created on uMap can be shared via links or embedded in websites, enhancing their accessibility and reach.
  • No Registration Required
    Users can create maps without needing to register, simplifying the process and lowering the barrier to entry.

Possible disadvantages of uMap

  • Limited Advanced Features
    Compared to other GIS tools, uMap might lack some advanced features and customizations that professionals might require.
  • Performance Issues
    Large or complex maps may experience performance issues, affecting the usability and responsiveness of the platform.
  • Dependency on OpenStreetMap Data
    While OpenStreetMap is generally accurate, it may lack detailed data in some regions, which could limit the applicability of uMap in those areas.
  • Reliability and Support
    As an open-source project without a dedicated commercial backing, uMap might have less reliable support and fewer frequent updates compared to proprietary solutions.
  • Learning Curve
    While relatively easy to use, new users might still encounter a learning curve when first interacting with the tool, especially if they are not familiar with mapping concepts.

Analysis of Google Maps API

Overall verdict

  • Yes, Google Maps API is considered to be a good option for developers looking to integrate mapping services into their applications. It provides comprehensive documentation, reliable performance, and continuous updates, which ensure accuracy and a rich set of features.

Why this product is good

  • Google Maps API is widely regarded as a powerful tool because of its extensive and accurate mapping data, robust functionality, and large developer community. It offers various features such as geolocation, route planning, and real-time traffic updates, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. Its integration capabilities with other Google services also enhance its functionality.

Recommended for

  • Businesses looking to integrate location services into their apps or websites
  • Developers requiring detailed mapping and geolocation features
  • Companies needing real-time traffic and route optimization solutions
  • Organizations that benefit from visualizing spatial data
  • Apps requiring integration with other Google services for enhanced functionality

Google Maps API videos

No Google Maps API videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

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uMap videos

UMAP Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection for Dimension Reduction | SciPy 2018 |

More videos:

  • Review - Paper Review Call 019 - UMAP
  • Review - PyData Ann Arbor: Leland McInnes | PCA, t-SNE, and UMAP: Modern Approaches to Dimension Reduction

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Google Maps API and uMap)
Maps
54 54%
46% 46
Web Mapping
65 65%
35% 35
Mapping And GIS
55 55%
45% 45
Address Verification API
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

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

Google Maps API Reviews

5 Best Tools For Creating Your Own Interactive Maps
Google Maps API is a well-known tool and is frequently used, the Google Maps API is the most basic for online maps that are effortlessly integrated across the settings. Google Maps API enables you to view the streets along with Google

uMap Reviews

We have no reviews of uMap yet.
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, uMap should be more popular than Google Maps API. It has been mentiond 20 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.

Google Maps API mentions (2)

  • How to create a Google Maps API key for Website
    1. Go to Google Maps Platform and Sign up or log in with your existing with your Google account. - Source: dev.to / over 2 years ago
  • Given a users city, get their latitude and longitude?
    In case you don't want to use a local database file or need something more precise than a city's long/lat, I used the openroutservice api for geo coding in one of my recent projects. It offers 1.000 queries per day for free and has a python wrapper. Another option would be the Google maps API which offers 40k requests per month. Source: about 4 years ago

uMap mentions (20)

  • Umap Project
    Https://umap.openstreetmap.fr/en/ https://umap.openstreetmap.de/en/ probably more instances out there, you can also host your own. - Source: Hacker News / 11 months ago
  • How to share PoI with other users?
    I haven't tried but I bet you could also import it into a uMap. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Share your trips here!
    If you prefer not to use proprietary, walled-off services like Strava I recommend Umap which has some great map editing Functionality and allows sharing links or even exporting the maps as JSON. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Self hosted POI map?
    I'm not hosting it myself but I'm using the open-source OSM uMap (https://umap.openstreetmap.fr/en/) with a custom layer that points to a GeoJSON endpoint on my webserver. Source: over 2 years ago
  • collaboration between 9 users
    That being said, http://umap.openstreetmap.fr/en/ exists. This is a website where one can make a small map, personal or shared with friends who can edit. Source: over 2 years ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing Google Maps API and uMap, you can also consider the following products

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.

Mapme - Build smart and beautiful maps within minutes with no coding.

Google Earth Pro - Google Earth Pro allows you fly anywhere around the earth to view satellite imagery, maps, 3D building, and terrain, from galaxies in outer space to the canyons of the ocean.

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.

Geopointe - Geopointe enables Salesforce users to gain spatial insights via maps and apply geography to business processes.

Story by MAPOG - When data meets discovery