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CARTO vs Google Maps vs OpenStreetMap: What are the differences?
Key Differences between CARTO and Google Maps and OpenStreetMap
Data Sources and Updates: CARTO primarily relies on its own proprietary data sources and allows users to upload their own data for visualization, while Google Maps uses user-contributed data and data from various third-party sources. OpenStreetMap, on the other hand, is entirely based on user-generated data that can be freely accessed and edited by anyone. CARTO and Google Maps regularly update their data sets through partnerships and acquisitions, while OpenStreetMap relies on its community for continuous updates.
Customization and Styling: CARTO offers extensive customization options for map design, allowing users to create visually appealing and interactive maps easily. Google Maps provides limited customization capabilities, mainly focused on styling markers and other visual elements. OpenStreetMap allows users to customize their map design by using various mapping styles created by the community or by creating their own styles.
Access Control and Data Privacy: CARTO provides advanced access control features, allowing users to manage who can view or edit their maps and data. Google Maps and OpenStreetMap offer limited access control options, with data visibility depending on the chosen settings and licenses. CARTO also places a strong emphasis on data privacy and security, ensuring that sensitive information is protected.
Geospatial Analysis and Insights: CARTO offers powerful geospatial analysis tools and capabilities, allowing users to perform complex spatial analysis and derive meaningful insights from their data. Google Maps focuses more on providing mapping and navigation services, with limited geospatial analysis features. OpenStreetMap offers basic geospatial analysis tools but relies on third-party plugins and extensions for advanced analysis.
Monetization and Licensing: CARTO provides commercial plans for businesses and organizations looking to utilize its mapping platform for commercial purposes. Google Maps offers a free tier for personal and small business use, with paid plans available for enterprise customers. OpenStreetMap is open-source and free to use for any purpose, including commercial applications, as long as the appropriate attribution and licensing terms are followed.
Community and Support: CARTO has a dedicated community forum and support resources for users to seek help and interact with other mapping enthusiasts. Google Maps offers developer documentation and support forums for technical assistance. OpenStreetMap relies heavily on its community for support, with mailing lists and forums being the primary channels for users to connect and collaborate.
In Summary, the key differences between CARTO, Google Maps, and OpenStreetMap lie in their data sources, customization options, access control, analysis capabilities, monetization strategies, and community support.
I would like to input a spreadsheet with names and associated addresses into a map program to; pinpoint all of the locations on a map. How can I do that? On which map? Are there field size limitations? All help would be appreciated.
There is a subdivision that is about one(1) mile by 3/4 mile in size. Is there a map program that would create the most efficient way to drive all of the streets in the subdivision without a lot of doubling back?
You could use a low-code platform to read the spreadsheet and use them as input for the pin pointing. The most expert provider would HERE or TomTom for the best routing algoritmes. Input parameters would be dependent on the chosen provider.
I see your stack is mostly Google and I am not familiar with that. But we have implemented this through the M365 Teams/SharePoint, Excell, MS PowerPlatform, our WMS and Azure.
From a StackShare Community member: "We're a team of two starting to write a mobile app. The app will heavily rely on maps and this is where my partner and I are not seeing eye-to-eye. I would like to go with an open source solution like OpenStreetMap that is used by Apple & Foursquare. He would like to go with Google Maps since more apps use it and has better support (according to him). Mapbox is also an option but I don’t know much about it."
I use Mapbox because We need 3D maps and navigation, it has a great plugin for React and React Native which we use. Also the Mapbox Geocoder is great.
Google Maps is best because it is practically free (they give you $300 in free credits per month and it's really hard to go over the free tier unless you really mean business) and it's the best!
I use OpenStreetMap because that has a strong community. It takes some time to catch up with Google Maps, but OpenStreetMap will become great solution.
I use Google Maps because it has a lot of great features such as Google's rich APIs, geolocation functions, navigation search feature, street map view, auto-generated 3D city map.
I use OpenStreetMap because i have the control of the environment, using Docker containers or bare-metal servers.
Pros of CARTO
- Crisp UI1
- Great customer service1
- Comprehensive platform1
Pros of Google Maps
- Free253
- Address input through maps api136
- Sharable Directions81
- Google Earth47
- Unique46
- Custom maps designing3
Pros of OpenStreetMap
- Simple22
- Free17
- Open-Source9
- Open-Data7
- React/ RNative integration1
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Cons of CARTO
Cons of Google Maps
- Google Attributions and logo4
- Only map allowed alongside google place autocomplete1
Cons of OpenStreetMap
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What is CARTO?
What is Google Maps?
What is OpenStreetMap?
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