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OpenStreetMap VS Bing Maps API

Compare OpenStreetMap VS Bing Maps API and see what are their differences

Contents:
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  2. » Videos
  3. » Reviews
  4. » Alternatives

OpenStreetMap logo OpenStreetMap

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

Bing Maps API logo Bing Maps API

Choose the maps API that meets your development needs: data visualization, Aerial 3D and Streetside imagery, geocoding, reverse-geocoding, routing, and more
  • OpenStreetMap Cover Photo
    Cover Photo //
    2024-01-08
  • Bing Maps API Landing page
    Landing page //
    2019-12-30

OpenStreetMap features and specs

  • Open Source
    OpenStreetMap (OSM) is an open-source project, allowing free access to map data and the ability to contribute and modify the maps. This encourages widespread collaboration and innovation.
  • Up-to-date Information
    Due to its large community of contributors, OSM often has up-to-date and detailed information, especially in urban areas. Users can quickly add new roads, businesses, and other updates.
  • Customization
    Users have the flexibility to customize maps for specific needs, such as creating specialized maps for hiking, cycling, or public transportation.
  • Global Coverage
    OSM offers extensive global coverage, which can be especially useful in regions where commercial map services might be limited or outdated.
  • Ethical and Transparent
    Being community-driven and open, OSM provides a more ethical choice compared to commercial alternatives that may have hidden data collection practices.

Possible disadvantages of OpenStreetMap

  • Data Quality Variability
    The quality and detail of the data can vary significantly between different regions depending on the number and expertise of local contributors.
  • Learning Curve
    For new users, especially those unfamiliar with GIS (Geographic Information System) concepts, there can be a learning curve to effectively use and contribute to OSM.
  • Lack of Professional Support
    Unlike commercial map services, OSM does not offer professional customer support, which can be a disadvantage for businesses requiring reliable assistance.
  • Potential for Inaccuracies
    As a crowd-sourced project, there is a potential for inaccuracies or vandalism, which might not be immediately corrected.
  • Performance
    Some users may experience slower performance when loading large datasets or using complex features, due to reliance on third-party servers and tools.

Bing Maps API features and specs

  • Comprehensive Coverage
    Bing Maps offers extensive global coverage with high-quality mapping data, making it suitable for diverse applications.
  • Integration with Microsoft Ecosystem
    Seamless integration with other Microsoft products and services, providing ease of use for developers already using Microsoft's technology stack.
  • Rich Feature Set
    Provides a wide range of features, including route optimization, geocoding, spatial data storage, and custom map styles.
  • Customizable Maps
    Allows developers to customize maps with various layers and styles to suit specific business needs.
  • Flexible Licensing Options
    Offers various licensing models, allowing businesses to choose plans that best fit their requirements and budgets.

Possible disadvantages of Bing Maps API

  • Cost Considerations
    While flexible, Bing Maps API can become expensive for larger-scale applications or high-volume usage.
  • Learning Curve
    Developers new to Bing Maps API may find a learning curve due to the comprehensive set of features and functionalities.
  • Less Popular than Competitors
    Bing Maps API is less commonly used compared to some competitors like Google Maps, which may affect community support and resources.
  • Dependency on Microsoft Ecosystem
    While integration is a pro, relying heavily on Microsoft may be a con for businesses using diverse technology stacks.
  • Limited Offline Support
    Offers limited offline capabilities, which might be a disadvantage for applications requiring high offline map usage.

Analysis of OpenStreetMap

Overall verdict

  • OpenStreetMap is widely regarded as a valuable resource due to its open-data approach, community-driven updates, and versatility. It is an excellent choice for those who need customizable, up-to-date maps and prefer open-source solutions.

Why this product is good

  • OpenStreetMap (OSM) is good because it is a collaborative project that provides freely accessible and editable map data. It is powered by a large community of volunteers who continually update and refine the information, ensuring that it remains current and comprehensive. The data from OSM can be used for various applications such as navigation, analysis, and even gaming, thanks to its open licensing (ODbL). It encourages innovation and accessibility, allowing developers and organizations to create and customize maps without the restrictions typically associated with proprietary alternatives.

Recommended for

  • Developers seeking open-source map data for applications
  • Organizations looking for customizable and cost-effective mapping solutions
  • Individuals interested in contributing to open data projects
  • Researchers conducting spatial analysis
  • Anyone needing access to worldwide map data without licensing fees

OpenStreetMap videos

+ Add

OpenStreetMap: The map that saves lives | CNBC International

More videos:

  • Review - Switching away from Google Maps : Here Maps, Bing Maps, OpenStreetMap...
  • Review - OpenStreetMap Download / Installation On Garmin Edge 520 GPS Device. Bike Computer

Bing Maps API videos

+ Add

Using Bing Maps API to Geocode addresses with Power Query

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to OpenStreetMap and Bing Maps API)

OpenStreetMap

Bing Maps API

Maps
99 99%
Maps
1% 1
Web Mapping
98 98%
Web Mapping
2% 2
Travel & Location
100 100%
Travel & Location
0% 0
Mapping And GIS
96 96%
Mapping And GIS
4% 4

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare OpenStreetMap and Bing Maps API

OpenStreetMap Reviews

7 Alternatives to Google Maps for Navigation
OpenStreetMap (OSM) is a free, open-source, community-driven mapping and navigation app. OSM was created in 2005. It has grown to include a global mapping community with activists and thousands of volunteers.
Source: gisgeography.com
18 Top Google Places API Alternatives for Points of Interest Data in 2022
OpenStreetMap offers a free, open-source map of the world with which you can access information about businesses, transport and points of interest. Planet OSM is a feature of OpenStreetMap that lets you extract millions of points of interest for free.
Source: traveltime.com
Top 15 Google Maps Alternatives (2024 Edition)
Maps.me is an open-source mobile-only service and an excellent alternative to Google Maps. It uses the OpenStreetMap database and helps you download maps to use them offline. Therefore, you can save a lot on your mobile data if you use this service.
Source: blog.route4me.com
9 Google Maps Alternatives to Use in 2022
OpenStreetMap is a simple web mapping tool stuffed with all the features you would expect with any web mapping service. The vivid maps explain different layers, help in accurate route planning, and provide cycling and walking routes.
Source: geekflare.com
Top 5 Open-Source Google Maps Alternatives in 2022
Last but not least, Qwant Map is one of those Google Maps alternatives that is open source and free. Just like Google Maps, this interactive maps software offers rich search capabilities. In addition, you can search for places such as restaurants, hotels, markets, and more. Moreover, it lets you search for nearby places by tracking your location. Qwant Map is based on...
Source: blog.containerize.com

Bing Maps API Reviews

We have no reviews of Bing Maps API yet.
Be the first one to post

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, OpenStreetMap seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 129 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.

OpenStreetMap mentions (129)

  • Waterway Map
    You can go to https://openstreetmap.org/ , zoom in and enable the map data layer. From there history is accessible. - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • Bike rack capacity
    Hi! I am working on a project mapping bike racks around my city on OpenStreetMap. One of the attributes that I tag is the rack's capacity, but I haven't come to a conclusion about the capacity of these wave-shaped racks:. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Get full name of a admin unit in a admin unit hierarchy like Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, United States of America
    I need the bounding boxes of all adminstrative units in a specific region from the largest (e.g. The state) to the smallest (whatever this is called) including the full name of the district. What I mean by that is what is displayed on openstreetmap.org when I search for e.g. Brooklyn: it will be displayed in the search results as "Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, United States of America" – the names joined from... Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Protomaps – A free and open source map of the world
    It's OpenStreetMap (ODbL) and Natural Earth (public domain) currently * http://openstreetmap.org * http://naturalearthdata.com. - Source: Hacker News / almost 2 years ago
  • Coffee Decor Pikmin
    Pikmin Bloom sources Decor locations from OpenStreetMap, it’s not always 100%, but it’s close enough. Source: almost 2 years ago
View more

Bing Maps API mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Bing Maps API yet. Tracking of Bing Maps API recommendations started around Mar 2021.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing OpenStreetMap and Bing Maps API, you can also consider the following products

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

Apple Maps - Maps features an all-new design with smart features to make finding and getting to your destination easier than ever.

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.

OsmAnd - Global mobile map viewing and navigation for online and offline OSM maps

Google Places API - Google Places API is a best-in-class platform that offers a complete information about multiple places using HTTP requests.

Here.com - Locations Services from HERE. Propel your business with our range of location services using one of the strongest mapping platforms. Learn more.

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