Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Graphhopper VS Mapbox

Compare Graphhopper VS Mapbox and see what are their differences

Graphhopper logo Graphhopper

A fast driving directions API with world wide coverage.

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.
  • Graphhopper Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-22
  • Mapbox Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-03-06

Mapbox

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

Graphhopper features and specs

  • Open Source
    Graphhopper is an open-source project, allowing for community contributions and transparency in development. This fosters continuous improvement and provides users with the freedom to modify the code as they see fit.
  • Customizability
    The service offers significant flexibility for customization, making it suitable for a wide range of routing applications, including different vehicle profiles and custom data sources.
  • Performance
    Graphhopper utilizes efficient algorithms for route calculations which can handle large datasets quickly, making it ideal for applications requiring fast and responsive routing.
  • Offline Capabilities
    Graphhopper supports offline routing, which allows for route calculations without an internet connection, a crucial feature for applications and users in remote areas.
  • API Documentation
    The Graphhopper API is well-documented, providing clear instructions and use cases that help developers to integrate and make use of its features effectively.

Possible disadvantages of Graphhopper

  • Complex Setup
    Setting up Graphhopper can be challenging, especially for users who are not familiar with Java or the necessary server configurations.
  • Data Size
    Graphhopper can require significant disk space for its dataset, especially when detailed maps for large areas are needed, which could be a limitation for resource-constrained environments.
  • Limited Geographic Coverage
    While Graphhopper supports multiple data sources like OpenStreetMap, users might find that some geographic areas do not have as detailed map information, impacting routing accuracy.
  • Resource Intensive
    Running the Graphhopper server requires considerable system resources, including memory and CPU, which might necessitate more powerful hardware for optimal performance.
  • License Restrictions
    Although open-source, some of the advanced features and professional-grade services of Graphhopper are under a commercial license, which could be a limitation for projects with limited budgets.

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.

Graphhopper videos

2019: Flexible Routing with GraphHopper

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 Graphhopper and Mapbox)
Maps
13 13%
87% 87
Web Mapping
17 17%
83% 83
Mapping And GIS
17 17%
83% 83
Travel & Location
13 13%
87% 87

User comments

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Reviews

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

Graphhopper Reviews

We have no reviews of Graphhopper yet.
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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 Graphhopper. 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.

Graphhopper mentions (2)

  • how do I select a different road on navigation.
    It works online only. The 1st step is to get free API ID on graphhopper.com. You can get it when you register and login. Then in osmand you have to choose navigation type (in nav settings) online tab then graphhopper - car Then settings of graphhopper (icon on the right) Enter your API ID, choose vehicle type and that's all. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Route Planning and Calculations c#
    I've used Graphhopper API for my side project. Source: almost 3 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
View more

What are some alternatives?

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

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

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

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.

dive.site - dive.site is an interactive map for divers, with the best dive spots worldwide.

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.

OpenStreetMap - OpenStreetMap is a map of the world, created by people like you and free to use under an open license.