Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

OpenStreetMap VS MapKit JS

Compare OpenStreetMap VS MapKit JS and see what are their differences

OpenStreetMap logo OpenStreetMap

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

MapKit JS logo MapKit JS

JavaScript API for interactive Apple maps
  • OpenStreetMap Cover Photo
    Cover Photo //
    2024-01-08
  • MapKit JS Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-21

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extensive global coverage, which can be especially useful in regions where commercial map services might be limited or outdated.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.

MapKit JS features and specs

  • Integration with Apple Ecosystem
    MapKit JS seamlessly integrates with Apple’s services, enabling developers to utilize Apple’s mapping capabilities and ensuring consistency across Apple platforms.
  • High-Quality Map Data
    Apple provides high-quality, detailed maps with regular updates, offering users accurate geographic information.
  • Customizable Map Features
    Developers can customize map views, annotations, and overlays to better fit the design and functionality of their application.
  • Privacy Considerations
    Apple places a strong emphasis on user privacy, which can benefit developers concerned about user data protection.

Possible disadvantages of MapKit JS

  • Restricted to Apple Developer Program
    To use MapKit JS, developers must be enrolled in the Apple Developer Program, which involves a subscription fee.
  • Limited Browser Support
    MapKit JS may have limited support on non-Safari browsers, potentially affecting cross-browser compatibility.
  • Rate and Usage Limits
    There are usage limits for map views and requests, which can constrain applications with a large number of users or high traffic.
  • Less Extensive API Compared to Competitors
    Compared to other mapping services (e.g., Google Maps), MapKit JS might have fewer features and integrations available.

OpenStreetMap videos

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

MapKit JS videos

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

Add video

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to OpenStreetMap and MapKit JS)
Maps
93 93%
7% 7
Web Mapping
92 92%
8% 8
Travel & Location
100 100%
0% 0
Geocoding
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 OpenStreetMap and MapKit JS

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.
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.
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...

MapKit JS Reviews

18 Top Google Places API Alternatives for Points of Interest Data in 2022
With Apple’s MapKit JS, you can embed interactive Apple maps on your website as well as annotate points of interest or user destinations.
Source: traveltime.com

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, OpenStreetMap seems to be a lot more popular than MapKit JS. While we know about 129 links to OpenStreetMap, we've tracked only 6 mentions of MapKit JS. 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: over 1 year 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: over 1 year 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 / over 1 year ago
  • Coffee Decor Pikmin
    Pikmin Bloom sources Decor locations from OpenStreetMap, it’s not always 100%, but it’s close enough. Source: over 1 year ago
View more

MapKit JS mentions (6)

  • Understanding Mapbox API Integration: A Deep Dive
    Mapkit JS (Apple): Sleek, privacy-focused mapping solution with excellent iOS integration, beautiful default styling, and high-performance rendering, though with more limited customization options than some alternatives. - Source: dev.to / 24 days ago
  • Apple Maps on the web launches in beta
    Odd, since the underlying MapKit JS supports Firefox. https://developer.apple.com/documentation/mapkitjs/. - Source: Hacker News / 10 months ago
  • Apple Maps on the web launches in beta
    Apple says that MapKit.JS works on Firefox, so this beta web page is probably just working out bugs before they release for FF. Perhaps a rendering issue? https://developer.apple.com/documentation/mapkitjs/. - Source: Hacker News / 10 months ago
  • Apple Maps API
    If it's important that it's Apple Maps specifically, you can use Mapkit JS. Source: about 2 years ago
  • iOS 15 Is Available
    > offer Apple Maps on the web If they wanted to, they could easily do that. https://developer.apple.com/documentation/mapkitjs: “Use this JavaScript API to embed interactive maps directly into your webpages or apps across different platforms and operating systems, including iOS and Android. Like MapKit for native apps, you can also add annotations and overlays to the map to call out points of interest or user... - Source: Hacker News / over 3 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing OpenStreetMap and MapKit JS, you can also consider the following products

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

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

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.

LocationIQ - Mapping APIs and Mapping and GIS

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

HERE Geocoding - Sign up for access to HERE Location Services APIs. Free trial of all JS and REST APIs. Transaction and services overview.