Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

MapComplete VS OsmAnd

Compare MapComplete VS OsmAnd 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.

OsmAnd logo OsmAnd

Global mobile map viewing and navigation for online and offline OSM maps
  • MapComplete Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-08-23
  • OsmAnd Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-15

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.

OsmAnd features and specs

  • Offline Maps
    OsmAnd allows users to download maps for offline use, making it convenient for navigation in areas without internet connectivity.
  • OpenStreetMap Integration
    The app utilizes OpenStreetMap data, which is community-driven and frequently updated, providing access to a broad range of information.
  • Customizable Interface
    OsmAnd offers a highly customizable interface, allowing users to tailor the app to their specific navigation and mapping needs.
  • Detailed POI Information
    The app includes extensive Points of Interest (POI) information, aiding users in finding essential services and amenities.
  • Privacy Focused
    OsmAnd places a strong emphasis on user privacy, as it does not track user location or sell data to third parties.
  • Versatile Map Viewing Options
    Users can view maps in various modes, including biking, hiking, and driving, tailored for different activities.
  • Regular Updates
    The app receives consistent updates and improvements, ensuring it stays compatible with the latest devices and includes new features.

Possible disadvantages of OsmAnd

  • Steep Learning Curve
    Because of the extensive customization options, new users might find the app difficult to navigate and configure initially.
  • Performance Issues
    Some users have reported performance issues, such as slow map rendering and lag during navigation, especially on older devices.
  • Limited Free Version
    The free version of OsmAnd has limited features, and users must purchase the full version or subscription to unlock advanced functionalities.
  • Occasional Data Accuracy Problems
    While OpenStreetMap is frequently updated, it can still contain inaccuracies or outdated information, affecting navigation reliability.
  • Complex Offline Map Management
    Managing offline map data can be cumbersome, as users need to manually download and update specific regions, which can be time-consuming.
  • Battery Consumption
    The app can be quite demanding on battery life, especially during prolonged use of navigation features.

Analysis of OsmAnd

Overall verdict

  • Overall, OsmAnd is a solid choice for those who require a reliable and highly customizable mapping and navigation solution, especially in scenarios where offline access is crucial.

Why this product is good

  • OsmAnd is considered a good navigation app because it offers offline mapping capabilities, access to high-quality OpenStreetMap data, customizable map views, and features such as routing for driving, cycling, and walking. It is also praised for its ability to add layers and additional plugins, including terrain, contour lines, and hillshades. Furthermore, OsmAnd supports navigation in multiple languages and can be highly personalized to meet different users' needs.

Recommended for

    OsmAnd is recommended for travelers, hikers, cyclists, and those in areas with limited internet connectivity. It's also a good option for users who prefer detailed, customizable maps and need features that go beyond standard navigation, such as offline use and specialized plugins.

MapComplete videos

2021: Introduction and review of MapComplete

OsmAnd videos

OsmAnd Free Offline GPS System App Review

More videos:

  • Review - Best Cycling Navigation Apps (Google Maps vs OsmAnd+)
  • Tutorial - How to download and navigate "generic" GPX tracks with OsmAnd Maps & Navigation

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to MapComplete and OsmAnd)
Tech
100 100%
0% 0
Maps
5 5%
95% 95
Payments
100 100%
0% 0
Web Mapping
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Reviews

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

MapComplete Reviews

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OsmAnd Reviews

Going Beyond: The Best Alternatives to Google Maps in 2024
OsmAnd is a map and navigation application that provides detailed offline maps, making it highly useful for travelers in areas with limited internet access. Itโ€™s available on both iOS and Android platforms. OsmAnd is known for its emphasis on offline functionality, allowing users to download maps ahead of time.
Source: stratoflow.com
18 Top Google Places API Alternatives for Points of Interest Data in 2022
OsmAnd offers offline maps for any region globally. You can use this to display points of interest around you, as well as display where you are on a map. Itโ€™s an open-source software that uses OpenStreetMap data.
Source: traveltime.com
Top 15 Google Maps Alternatives (2024 Edition)
If searching for an offline mobile map or routing tool to schedule delivery routes, the OsmAnd is another excellent Google Maps alternative.
9 Google Maps Alternatives to Use in 2022
OsmAnd is a free Google Maps alternative that enjoys vast popularity amongst users due to the presence of offline maps. These maps are available everywhere, even if you are in a no-internet zone, and help you find your way.
Source: geekflare.com
Top 5 Open-Source Google Maps Alternatives in 2022
OsmAnd is another map application that works online as well as offline. This free navigation software is open source, customizable, and tracks GPS location. OsmAnd is one of the Google Maps alternatives that offers route optimization, helps users indicate paths such as forests, landscapes and etc. In addition, it has text to speech option and comes with night mode options...

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, OsmAnd should be more popular than MapComplete. It has been mentiond 123 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: 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
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OsmAnd mentions (123)

  • FSF Announces Librephone Project
    > It's not a viable business model. > You can do it obviously, but it's effectively just a different way of soliciting donations at that point; the fair market value of the software is ~$0 It is a viable business model. XWiki SAS does this for their "Pro apps" [1] which are paid extensions for XWiki targeted to businesses and that are free software (under the LGPLv2 license) with license checks. These apps target... - Source: Hacker News / 10 months ago
  • 25 Google Alternatives every DEV must use in 2025 ๐Ÿคฏ๐Ÿ’ฅ
    OsmAnd (Open Street Map Android client with offline option). - Source: dev.to / over 1 year ago
  • The PC Is Dead: It's Time to Make Computing Personal Again
    For the map app, OsmAnd+ is amazing. https://osmand.net/. - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • Bridges in the US are threaten by truck drivers relying on GPS meant for cars
    > Google maps and Waze does not allow for setting vehicle height As a side note, OsmAnd supports setting vehicle height* and has support for multiple vehicles/routing profiles: https://osmand.net *: and weight, width, and length. - Source: Hacker News / over 2 years ago
  • Organic Maps is a free Android and iOS offline maps app for travelers
    How does it compare to OsmAnd? https://osmand.net. - Source: Hacker News / over 2 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

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

StreetComplete - Help to improve the OpenStreetMap with StreetComplete!

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

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

Organic Maps - Fast detailed offline maps for travelers, tourists, hikers and cyclists, based on OpenStreetMap and curated with love by MapsWithMe (Maps.Me) founders.

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

MAPS.ME - Fast, detailed and completely offline maps for mobile devices