Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

OpenMapTiles VS Switch2OSM

Compare OpenMapTiles VS Switch2OSM and see what are their differences

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.

Switch2OSM logo Switch2OSM

Switch2OSM is a platform where you can build beautiful and interactive maps from the actionable data in place.
  • OpenMapTiles Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-03-20
  • Switch2OSM Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-06-26

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.

Switch2OSM features and specs

  • Free and Open Source
    OpenStreetMap (OSM) data is free to use under the Open Database License, and the tools and software provided by Switch2OSM are open-source, allowing users to customize and contribute to the mapping ecosystem.
  • Community-Driven
    Switch2OSM benefits from a large, active community that continuously updates and improves the map data, especially in areas that may be underrepresented in commercial mapping applications.
  • Up-to-Date Mapping
    Thanks to the vast network of contributors, OSM data is frequently updated, meaning that maps can be highly accurate and up-to-date with new roads, paths, and geographical changes.
  • Customizability
    Users can tailor maps to their specific needs, including styling, detail levels, and data layers, making OSM data flexible for various applications such as navigation and geographic analysis.
  • No Usage Limits
    Unlike many proprietary mapping services, there are no usage limits or additional costs for higher traffic levels, which can be particularly beneficial for small businesses and developers.

Possible disadvantages of Switch2OSM

  • Technical Complexity
    Setting up and maintaining a tile server or integrating OSM data can be complex and may require technical expertise, which could be a barrier for beginners or smaller teams without dedicated resources.
  • Variable Data Quality
    While some areas have detailed and high-quality data due to active contributors, other regions may lack granular information or updates, leading to inconsistencies in map quality.
  • Limited Support
    As a community-driven project, OSM relies on volunteers for support, which might not be as immediate or comprehensive as the dedicated support offered by commercial map providers.
  • Software Ecosystem
    The ecosystem around Switch2OSM, while robust, may not always have the polished, user-friendly tools or APIs available from commercial services, requiring users to piece together solutions from various sources.
  • Dependency on Community Contributions
    The efficacy and accuracy of the maps largely depend on community contributions, which can be uneven across different geographic locations, sometimes resulting in sparse data for less populated areas.

OpenMapTiles videos

OpenMapTiles: Vector tiles from OpenStreetMap

Switch2OSM videos

No Switch2OSM videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

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Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to OpenMapTiles and Switch2OSM)
Maps
74 74%
26% 26
Web Mapping
72 72%
28% 28
Tool
60 60%
40% 40
Development
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, OpenMapTiles should be more popular than Switch2OSM. 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.

OpenMapTiles mentions (14)

  • VersaTiles – 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 / 8 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: about 2 years ago
  • How would you build something like this?
    Something like https://openmaptiles.org/ to host map server. Source: about 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: about 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
View more

Switch2OSM mentions (5)

What are some alternatives?

When comparing OpenMapTiles and Switch2OSM, you can also consider the following products

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

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.

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.

OkMap - OkMap is an interactive software which allows you to work on your computer screen with web maps or...