Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

MapComplete VS iD

Compare MapComplete VS iD and see what are their differences

MapComplete logo MapComplete

MapComplete is an OpenStreetMap viewer and editor. It shows map features on a certain topic, and allows to see, edit and add new features to the map. It can be seen as a webversion crossover of StreetComplete and MapContrib.

iD logo iD

iD is an OpenStreetMap editor programmed in JavaScript with the aims to be simple and friendly.
  • MapComplete Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-08-23
Not present

MapComplete features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    MapComplete offers an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, making it accessible for users with varying levels of technical expertise.
  • Thematic Focus
    Allows users to contribute to specific themes or topics, such as cycling infrastructure or public art, which helps in organizing and streamlining contributions.
  • Direct OSM Integration
    Enables direct editing and contribution to OpenStreetMap (OSM), ensuring that user contributions are efficiently integrated into the wider OSM database.
  • Mobile Friendly
    Optimized for mobile devices, allowing users to contribute data and make edits on-the-go.
  • Community Engagement
    Encourages community involvement by enabling focused contributions to areas of local interest and significance.

Possible disadvantages of MapComplete

  • Limited Features Compared to Full OSM Editors
    Lacks some advanced editing features found in comprehensive OSM editors like JOSM or iD, which may be necessary for complex tasks.
  • Variable Data Accuracy
    As with any crowdsourced platform, the accuracy of data can vary based on user inputs, potentially leading to inconsistencies.
  • Dependence on User Participation
    Relies heavily on active user participation for data accuracy and up-to-date information, which can fluctuate over time.
  • Theme-Specific Limitations
    Focused themes might limit contributions outside of the predefined themes, potentially restricting user inputs in certain scenarios.
  • Learning Curve for New Users
    While user-friendly, new users unfamiliar with OSM or thematic mapping might face a learning curve in understanding how to contribute effectively.

iD features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    iD Editor offers a simple, intuitive interface that makes it easy for beginners to start contributing to OpenStreetMap without needing extensive training.
  • Web-Based Accessibility
    Being a web-based application allows users to access iD Editor from any computer with internet access, without the need for installation.
  • Real-Time Editing
    iD Editor provides real-time editing capabilities for OpenStreetMap data, allowing users to see changes immediately as they make them.
  • Active Community Support
    The iD Editor community is active and offers support through forums and documentation, which can help users troubleshoot issues and improve their mapping skills.
  • Rapid Development
    Regular updates and developments ensure that iD Editor remains compatible with the latest OpenStreetMap standards and technologies.

Possible disadvantages of iD

  • Limited Advanced Features
    iD Editor lacks some of the more advanced mapping features that power users might require, such as handling complex data layers or performing bulk edits.
  • Dependency on Internet Connection
    Being a web-based tool, iD Editor requires a stable internet connection to function, which can be a limitation in areas with unreliable internet access.
  • Less Powerful for Complex Edits
    Due to its focus on usability and simplicity, iD Editor might not be ideal for more complex editing tasks that require detailed precision and advanced tools.
  • Performance Issues with Large Data
    iD Editor can experience performance slowdowns when dealing with large datasets or dense mapping areas, which may affect its usability in urban or highly-mapped areas.
  • Dependency on Browser Compatibility
    As iD Editor runs in a web browser, it can be affected by browser compatibility issues, which might limit its functionality on certain browsers or devices.

MapComplete videos

2021: Introduction and review of MapComplete

iD videos

ID Police Review: As Seen on TV Theft Protection Gadget?

More videos:

  • Review - Volkswagen ID.4 EV review: is it the new VW Beetle?
  • Review - Volkswagen ID.4 review

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to MapComplete and iD)
Tech
66 66%
34% 34
Website Builder
57 57%
43% 43
Payments
61 61%
39% 39
Maps
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

Share your experience with using MapComplete and iD. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, MapComplete seems to be a lot more popular than iD. While we know about 23 links to MapComplete, we've tracked only 1 mention of iD. 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.

MapComplete mentions (23)

  • Happy Birthday OpenStreetMap
    Just want to point out that this user is the creator of the wonderful tool MapComplete (https://mapcomplete.osm.be) which helps you adding more information to the data available in the OSM database. If you have some free time and have local knowledge of your area, I really suggest giving this tool a try, you can choose between multiple themes (which will show different quests) and add info that you know the most. - Source: Hacker News / about 3 years ago
  • Selling Machines
    I'm thinking about making a mapcomplete theme specifically for all types of vending machines, but I'm lacking the time for it. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Searching for an open Cafรฉ in my town on desktop
    Mapcomplete is just the website for your requirements and for desktop use. Source: over 3 years ago
  • OpenStreetMap is in trouble - a critical review of Microsoft's 'Bing Map Builder'
    They aim for a simple (aka reduced) editor to use - if they work out some of the technical issues - they kind of deliver that promise. But of course, I like MapComplete more as "simple editor". (Disclaimer: that's what I made). Source: over 3 years ago
  • OpenStreetMap is in trouble โ€“ a critical take on Bing Map Builder
    The reason that I haven't pursued a gamification approach with https://mapcomplete.osm.be is twofold: - I'm focusing on other usability issues (and features) first. - Source: Hacker News / over 3 years ago
View more

iD mentions (1)

  • OsmAnd's Faster Offline Navigation
    > I wonder, how difficult is it to make minor edits to the map data? The map data is OpenStreetMap, so you can make edits via the standard OSM methods: Web: https://ideditor.com/ Local: https://josm.openstreetmap.de/. - Source: Hacker News / 6 months ago

What are some alternatives?

When comparing MapComplete and iD, you can also consider the following products

StreetComplete - Help to improve the OpenStreetMap with StreetComplete!

JOSM - JOSM is a Java-based editor for OpenStreetMap (OSM).

Every Door - The best OpenStreetMap editor for POIs and entrances.

Vespucci - Vespucci is the first OpenStreetMap editor for Android.

SCEE - SCEE enhances StreetComplete with advanced editing for experienced OSM users. Features are less tested, may have bugs, and differ vastly. Supports jawg maps, Esri imagery. Users must heed warnings.

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