Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Google Maps Go VS OpenStreetMap

Compare Google Maps Go VS OpenStreetMap and see what are their differences

Google Maps Go logo Google Maps Go

Designed to run smoothly on devices with limited memory and on unreliable networks

OpenStreetMap logo OpenStreetMap

OpenStreetMap is a map of the world, created by people like you and free to use under an open license.
Not present
  • OpenStreetMap Cover Photo
    Cover Photo //
    2024-01-08

Google Maps Go features and specs

  • Lightweight
    Google Maps Go is a lighter version of the regular Google Maps app, designed to use less storage and resources on devices.
  • Fast Performance
    It offers quick loading times and smooth performance, even on devices with low RAM and processors.
  • Data Efficiency
    Optimized for use on mobile networks with limited data, it consumes less mobile data compared to the standard app.
  • Accessibility
    Essential features such as location search, directions, and nearby places are accessible even on older or less powerful devices.
  • Compatibility
    Works well on Android devices that might not support the full version of Google Maps or other high-resource apps.

Possible disadvantages of Google Maps Go

  • Limited Features
    It lacks some advanced features available in the full version, such as offline maps, real-time traffic data integrations, or detailed navigation.
  • Web Interface Dependency
    Some functions rely on browser integration, meaning a consistent internet connection is needed for full functionality.
  • Reduced Detail
    Map details and visualizations may be simplified or not as comprehensive as in the standard Google Maps app.
  • No Offline Usage
    Unlike the full app, Google Maps Go does not support offline map downloads, which may limit usability in areas with poor connectivity.
  • Device Compatibility Constraints
    Although it's designed for low-spec devices, some features and functionalities may still vary based on device model and specifications.

OpenStreetMap features and specs

  • Open Source
    OpenStreetMap (OSM) is an open-source project, allowing free access to map data and the ability to contribute and modify the maps. This encourages widespread collaboration and innovation.
  • Up-to-date Information
    Due to its large community of contributors, OSM often has up-to-date and detailed information, especially in urban areas. Users can quickly add new roads, businesses, and other updates.
  • Customization
    Users have the flexibility to customize maps for specific needs, such as creating specialized maps for hiking, cycling, or public transportation.
  • Global Coverage
    OSM offers extensive global coverage, which can be especially useful in regions where commercial map services might be limited or outdated.
  • Ethical and Transparent
    Being community-driven and open, OSM provides a more ethical choice compared to commercial alternatives that may have hidden data collection practices.

Possible disadvantages of OpenStreetMap

  • Data Quality Variability
    The quality and detail of the data can vary significantly between different regions depending on the number and expertise of local contributors.
  • Learning Curve
    For new users, especially those unfamiliar with GIS (Geographic Information System) concepts, there can be a learning curve to effectively use and contribute to OSM.
  • Lack of Professional Support
    Unlike commercial map services, OSM does not offer professional customer support, which can be a disadvantage for businesses requiring reliable assistance.
  • Potential for Inaccuracies
    As a crowd-sourced project, there is a potential for inaccuracies or vandalism, which might not be immediately corrected.
  • Performance
    Some users may experience slower performance when loading large datasets or using complex features, due to reliance on third-party servers and tools.

Analysis of OpenStreetMap

Overall verdict

  • OpenStreetMap is widely regarded as a valuable resource due to its open-data approach, community-driven updates, and versatility. It is an excellent choice for those who need customizable, up-to-date maps and prefer open-source solutions.

Why this product is good

  • OpenStreetMap (OSM) is good because it is a collaborative project that provides freely accessible and editable map data. It is powered by a large community of volunteers who continually update and refine the information, ensuring that it remains current and comprehensive. The data from OSM can be used for various applications such as navigation, analysis, and even gaming, thanks to its open licensing (ODbL). It encourages innovation and accessibility, allowing developers and organizations to create and customize maps without the restrictions typically associated with proprietary alternatives.

Recommended for

  • Developers seeking open-source map data for applications
  • Organizations looking for customizable and cost-effective mapping solutions
  • Individuals interested in contributing to open data projects
  • Researchers conducting spatial analysis
  • Anyone needing access to worldwide map data without licensing fees

Google Maps Go videos

Google Maps Go 😗 | How it's important and excellent.

More videos:

  • Review - Google Maps Go | How lite is it?

OpenStreetMap videos

OpenStreetMap: The map that saves lives | CNBC International

More videos:

  • Review - Switching away from Google Maps : Here Maps, Bing Maps, OpenStreetMap...
  • Review - OpenStreetMap Download / Installation On Garmin Edge 520 GPS Device. Bike Computer

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Google Maps Go and OpenStreetMap)
Maps
11 11%
89% 89
Travel & Location
13 13%
87% 87
Web Mapping
5 5%
95% 95
Travel
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 Go and OpenStreetMap

Google Maps Go Reviews

We have no reviews of Google Maps Go yet.
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OpenStreetMap Reviews

7 Alternatives to Google Maps for Navigation
OpenStreetMap (OSM) is a free, open-source, community-driven mapping and navigation app. OSM was created in 2005. It has grown to include a global mapping community with activists and thousands of volunteers.
18 Top Google Places API Alternatives for Points of Interest Data in 2022
OpenStreetMap offers a free, open-source map of the world with which you can access information about businesses, transport and points of interest. Planet OSM is a feature of OpenStreetMap that lets you extract millions of points of interest for free.
Source: traveltime.com
Top 15 Google Maps Alternatives (2024 Edition)
Maps.me is an open-source mobile-only service and an excellent alternative to Google Maps. It uses the OpenStreetMap database and helps you download maps to use them offline. Therefore, you can save a lot on your mobile data if you use this service.
9 Google Maps Alternatives to Use in 2022
OpenStreetMap is a simple web mapping tool stuffed with all the features you would expect with any web mapping service. The vivid maps explain different layers, help in accurate route planning, and provide cycling and walking routes.
Source: geekflare.com
Top 5 Open-Source Google Maps Alternatives in 2022
Last but not least, Qwant Map is one of those Google Maps alternatives that is open source and free. Just like Google Maps, this interactive maps software offers rich search capabilities. In addition, you can search for places such as restaurants, hotels, markets, and more. Moreover, it lets you search for nearby places by tracking your location. Qwant Map is based on...

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, OpenStreetMap should be more popular than Google Maps Go. It has been mentiond 129 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 Go mentions (27)

  • Real-Time Air Quality Index Visual Map
    All these third-parties are just using limited APIs from other networks and sometimes only one source like the US government network which has very few sensors very far away from most people. Other network maps: https://google.com/maps/@/data=!5m1!1e9 https://www.airnow.gov/ https://map.purpleair.com/ https://map.airgradient.com/ https://www.iqair.com/air-quality-map https://data.usatoday.com/fires/. - Source: Hacker News / almost 2 years ago
  • Got my first 5k in Germany today in a duel! - probably my quickest 5k that isn't a landmark or that I haven't been to myself at less than 30s as I got distracted by the weird high res german signs outside the frame.
    Here's the link: google.com/maps - you don't need a longer link (The image is facing SE). Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Weird behavior on Google sites
    Hmm interesting.. maps.google.com redirects me to google.com/maps on my brave though, idk why it does not take you to google.com/maps website. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Weird behavior on Google sites
    a while ago they proxied maps.google.com to www.google.com/maps and default Google Maps link is google.com/maps now. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • WTH is wrong with my home network! Please help me troubleshoot!
    Most Bizzare of all, even using Google's DNS, I can't resolve "maps.google.com" or "news.bbc.co.uk" on the network... Yet I CAN resolve "google.com/maps" and "bbc.co.uk/news". Source: about 2 years ago
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OpenStreetMap mentions (129)

  • Waterway Map
    You can go to https://openstreetmap.org/ , zoom in and enable the map data layer. From there history is accessible. - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • Bike rack capacity
    Hi! I am working on a project mapping bike racks around my city on OpenStreetMap. One of the attributes that I tag is the rack's capacity, but I haven't come to a conclusion about the capacity of these wave-shaped racks:. Source: over 1 year ago
  • Get full name of a admin unit in a admin unit hierarchy like Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, United States of America
    I need the bounding boxes of all adminstrative units in a specific region from the largest (e.g. The state) to the smallest (whatever this is called) including the full name of the district. What I mean by that is what is displayed on openstreetmap.org when I search for e.g. Brooklyn: it will be displayed in the search results as "Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, United States of America" – the names joined from... Source: over 1 year ago
  • Protomaps – A free and open source map of the world
    It's OpenStreetMap (ODbL) and Natural Earth (public domain) currently * http://openstreetmap.org * http://naturalearthdata.com. - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • Coffee Decor Pikmin
    Pikmin Bloom sources Decor locations from OpenStreetMap, it’s not always 100%, but it’s close enough. Source: over 1 year ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing Google Maps Go and OpenStreetMap, you can also consider the following products

Offroad - Offroad app helps you receive off-roading navigation maps to go on off-roading adventures with your friends and family members without worrying about getting lost in the desert.

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

Polarsteps - Automatically track your journeys on a stunning map

OsmAnd - Global mobile map viewing and navigation for online and offline OSM maps

Jaguar Route Planner - Jaguar Route Planner app contains features to allow users to access a built-in map to view their vehicle’s current position with details such as street address and the distance from your GPS location.

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.