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Waze Map VS OpenStreetMap

Compare Waze Map VS OpenStreetMap and see what are their differences

Waze Map logo Waze Map

Waze Map is a community-based mapping and navigation service that is available in form of web-based service and application for the smartphones.

OpenStreetMap logo OpenStreetMap

OpenStreetMap is a map of the world, created by people like you and free to use under an open license.
  • Waze Map Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-04-26
  • OpenStreetMap Cover Photo
    Cover Photo //
    2024-01-08

Waze Map features and specs

  • Real-Time Updates
    Waze provides real-time traffic updates, helping users avoid traffic jams and find the quickest route to their destinations.
  • Community-Driven
    The app leverages community input, allowing users to report accidents, hazards, and other road conditions which then assists other drivers.
  • ETA Accuracy
    Waze effectively calculates estimated time of arrival (ETA) by considering current traffic conditions, road closures, and user-reported events.
  • Free to Use
    Waze is free to download and use, offering a cost-effective option for navigation that includes many advanced features.
  • Routing Options
    The app provides multiple route options based on real-time data analysis, allowing users to choose the fastest or most fuel-efficient path.

Possible disadvantages of Waze Map

  • Privacy Concerns
    As a community-driven app, Waze collects user data to provide accurate real-time information, which can raise privacy concerns for some users.
  • Battery Drain
    The constant GPS and data usage required for real-time updates and navigation can lead to significant battery drain on mobile devices.
  • Data Dependency
    Waze relies heavily on mobile data for its real-time functionality, so users in areas with poor data connectivity might experience degraded performance.
  • Complex Interface
    The app interface can be overwhelming with lots of icons and notifications, potentially distracting users from driving safely.
  • Ad Interruptions
    Waze uses advertising to generate revenue, which can sometimes interrupt or distract during navigation, particularly when stopped.

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.

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

Waze Map videos

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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

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Waze Map and OpenStreetMap)
Maps
6 6%
94% 94
Maps & Navigation
100 100%
0% 0
Web Mapping
4 4%
96% 96
Tool
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

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

Waze Map Reviews

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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...

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, OpenStreetMap seems to be a lot more popular than Waze Map. While we know about 129 links to OpenStreetMap, we've tracked only 1 mention of Waze Map. 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.

Waze Map mentions (1)

  • does this do all this? nobody else said waze except on here
    You can start the planning on the Waze live map: https://waze.com/live-map and save it to your app. There is also a planning interface in the app that does the same thing. Source: about 4 years ago

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
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing Waze Map and OpenStreetMap, you can also consider the following products

Bing Maps - Map multiple locations, get transit/walking/driving directions, view live traffic conditions, plan trips, view satellite, aerial and street side imagery. Do more with Bing Maps.

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.

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

Yandex.Maps - Yandex.Maps gives you access to maps of over 1800 cities and towns right in your pocket.

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.