Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

MapComplete VS MapSwipe

Compare MapComplete VS MapSwipe 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.

MapSwipe logo MapSwipe

Mark streets and houses in satellite images to help create maps for humanitarian organizations.
  • MapComplete Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-08-23
  • MapSwipe Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-24

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.

MapSwipe features and specs

  • Crowdsourced Data Collection
    MapSwipe allows volunteers from around the world to contribute to the creation of geographic data by identifying and classifying satellite images. This crowdsourcing approach helps to cover large areas quickly and efficiently.
  • Humanitarian Focus
    MapSwipe is often used to support humanitarian efforts, such as mapping areas vulnerable to natural disasters or outbreaks, which helps organizations allocate resources effectively and respond to crises more efficiently.
  • Easy to Use
    The platform is designed to be user-friendly, allowing users of all experience levels to participate simply by swiping through images and marking features of interest, making it accessible to a wide audience.
  • Community Engagement
    MapSwipe builds a sense of community among users who are working towards common humanitarian goals. It fosters engagement and raises awareness about global challenges and the importance of mapping in addressing them.
  • Complementary to Other Tools
    MapSwipe complements other mapping tools and platforms, such as OpenStreetMap, by providing pre-processed data that can be further refined and used in more detailed mapping projects.

Possible disadvantages of MapSwipe

  • Data Quality Concerns
    The accuracy of data collected through crowdsourcing can vary, as it depends on the expertise and attention of the volunteers. This may result in inconsistencies or errors that require further verification.
  • Limited Scope of Tasks
    Users are typically asked to perform simple tasks such as identifying buildings or roads, which may not fully cover the complexities needed for some mapping projects, necessitating additional resources or tools.
  • Dependence on User Participation
    MapSwipe's effectiveness is contingent on the active participation of volunteers. Projects may face delays or incompletion if there are insufficient users contributing to mapping tasks.
  • Device and Connectivity Requirements
    Access to MapSwipe requires a smartphone and internet connectivity, which may limit participation in regions with technological or infrastructural constraints, potentially excluding some potential contributors.
  • Potential for Partial Anonymity Loss
    While MapSwipe can protect user anonymity, the nature of crowdsourced projects sometimes necessitates sharing information regarding work done, which might concern privacy-conscious users.

MapComplete videos

2021: Introduction and review of MapComplete

MapSwipe videos

FOSS4G 2021 - MapSwipe - an open-source mobile app putting communities on the map

More videos:

  • Review - Going Beyond Buildings: Mapping Damage and Solid Waste with MapSwipe
  • Review - MapSwipe and Pybossa. Further exploration in the power of crowds, Benjamin Herfort

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to MapComplete and MapSwipe)
Tech
79 79%
21% 21
Payments
76 76%
24% 24
Website Builder
76 76%
24% 24
IT Automation
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, MapComplete seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 23 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.

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 / almost 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: about 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: about 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

MapSwipe mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of MapSwipe yet. Tracking of MapSwipe recommendations started around Mar 2021.

What are some alternatives?

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

StreetComplete - Help to improve the OpenStreetMap with StreetComplete!

Zooniverse - The Zooniverse is home to the internet's largest, most popular and most successful citizen...

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

OSM Tasking Manager - A mapping tool designed and built for the Humanitarian OSM Team collaborative mapping.

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

Vespucci - Vespucci is the first OpenStreetMap editor for Android.