Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Nearmap VS OpenMapTiles

Compare Nearmap VS OpenMapTiles and see what are their differences

Nearmap logo Nearmap

Nearmap is a technological Aerial map providing service software that enables you to make informed decisions and measurements.

OpenMapTiles logo OpenMapTiles

Design and host maps with OpenStreetMap vector tiles and open-source tools. Maps are compatible with Leaflet, Mapbox GL SDKs, GIS, WMTS/WMS, XYZ map tiles, etc.
  • Nearmap Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-29
  • OpenMapTiles Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-03-20

Nearmap features and specs

  • High-Resolution Imagery
    Nearmap provides high-resolution aerial imagery with incredible detail, making it useful for urban planning, construction, and environmental monitoring.
  • Frequent Updates
    The platform updates its imagery multiple times a year, allowing users to access the most current data for effective decision-making and change detection.
  • Comprehensive Coverage
    Nearmap offers extensive coverage across various regions, particularly in urban and suburban areas, providing wide access to detailed geographic information.
  • Integration and Accessibility
    Nearmap can be integrated with multiple GIS and CAD systems, improving accessibility and usability for professional applications.
  • 3D and Oblique Views
    Provides not only traditional top-down views but also 3D and oblique imagery, giving users more perspective and context for analysis.

Possible disadvantages of Nearmap

  • Cost
    Nearmap services can be expensive, which may be a barrier for small businesses or individual users compared to other free or lower-cost alternatives.
  • Limited Rural Coverage
    The platform might have limited coverage in rural or remote areas, which could be a drawback for users needing imagery in these locations.
  • Data Volume
    Due to the high-resolution nature of the imagery, data files can be large and require significant storage and processing power, which can be a challenge for some users.
  • Subscription-Based Model
    The subscription-based access model means ongoing costs for users, and it may not be ideal for those who need imagery only occasionally.
  • Usage Complexity
    For users unfamiliar with GIS or similar technologies, there may be a learning curve to effectively utilize Nearmapโ€™s tools and data.

OpenMapTiles features and specs

  • Open Source
    OpenMapTiles is open source, which means you can modify and distribute the code, offering flexibility and community-driven improvements.
  • Cost-Effective
    Being open source and having options for self-hosting, it can be a cost-effective solution compared to proprietary alternatives.
  • Customization
    Users can tailor maps to specific requirements, thanks to the flexibility in styling and data choices.
  • Wide Platform Support
    OpenMapTiles can be used with a variety of platforms and technologies, ensuring compatibility with most mapping applications and systems.
  • Regular Updates
    Frequent updates ensure that users have access to the latest data and features, enhancing the reliability and accuracy of the maps.

Possible disadvantages of OpenMapTiles

  • Complex Setup
    The initial setup and configuration can be complex, requiring significant technical expertise to implement and customize.
  • Limited Support
    While community support is available, users might face challenges in obtaining dedicated support, compared to proprietary solutions.
  • Resource Intensive
    Running and maintaining self-hosted tile servers can be resource-intensive, requiring sufficient computational and storage capabilities.
  • Learning Curve
    There is a steep learning curve for new users unfamiliar with the open data formats and technologies used by OpenMapTiles.
  • Potential Data Gaps
    Reliance on open data sources might lead to occasional data gaps or inconsistencies, affecting map detail and accuracy in some regions.

Nearmap videos

Quick Demo: How Nearmap is much better than Google Maps for Architecture

More videos:

  • Review - Nearmap 2020 Year in Review
  • Review - Nearmap on AWS: Customer Story | Amazon Web Services

OpenMapTiles videos

OpenMapTiles: Vector tiles from OpenStreetMap

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Nearmap and OpenMapTiles)
Maps
19 19%
81% 81
Tool
32 32%
68% 68
Web Mapping
17 17%
83% 83
Travel & Location
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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

Based on our record, OpenMapTiles seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 14 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.

Nearmap mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Nearmap yet. Tracking of Nearmap recommendations started around Jun 2021.

OpenMapTiles mentions (14)

  • VersaTiles โ€“ a complete FLOSS map stack
    Functionally they are rather similar in what they're aiming for. Architecturally there are some differences. OpenFreeMap uses the MapTiles format [1] which is an open source format for vector tiles that does require the attribution of the OpenMapTiles page for every map generated from it (CC-BY license). Versatiles uses the Shortbread format instead [2] which is published under a CC0 license. Instead of the SQLite... - Source: Hacker News / 12 months ago
  • I honestly don't like using most Openstreetmap websites: slow, clunky. Is there a better way to do this faster on my own desktop?
    The docs of https://openmaptiles.org is probably enough and they also offer a tileset. Creating your own vectortiles from openstreetmap is a bit of a rabbit hole as well as resource demanding task. Source: over 2 years ago
  • How would you build something like this?
    Something like https://openmaptiles.org/ to host map server. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Synology Photos HEIC support after 7.1.1-42962 Update 4
    Custom tiles are doable (see also https://openmaptiles.org/), but then you need some people dedicated to maintain the data and serving them; your costs would shift from buying the service to your own operations. Thi would be still non-zero (compared to current state). Source: over 2 years ago
  • Any websites that make world maps for board games?
    Https://openmaptiles.org/ - usable with copyright attribution and a bit of effort on your part. Source: over 2 years ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing Nearmap and OpenMapTiles, you can also consider the following products

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

Leaflet - Leaflet is a modern, lightweight open-source JavaScript library for mobile-friendly interactive maps.

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

Alta4 - Alta4 is a web-based GIS software and service that has been successful with its advanced IT solutions.

OpenLayers - A high-performance, feature-packed library for all your mapping needs.

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.