CARTO vs Google Maps vs OpenStreetMap

Overview

Google Maps

Stacks42.5K

Followers29.8K

Votes568

OpenStreetMap

Stacks255

Followers473

Votes58

CARTO

Stacks40

Followers78

Votes3

GitHub Stars2.8K

Forks658

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.

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Advice on Google Maps, OpenStreetMap, CARTO

StackShare

Apr 4, 2019

Needs advice

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."

183k views183k

Comments

Duane

Feb 5, 2021

Needs advice

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?

41.1k views41.1k

Comments

Detailed Comparison

Google Maps	OpenStreetMap	CARTO
Create rich applications and stunning visualisations of your data, leveraging the comprehensiveness, accuracy, and usability of Google Maps and a modern web platform that scales as you grow.	OpenStreetMap is built by a community of mappers that contribute and maintain data about roads, trails, cafés, railway stations, and much more, all over the world.	The CARTO platform empowers everyone, from business analysts to data scientists, to turn location data into business outcomes. We accelerate innovation, power new use cases and disrupt business models through Location Intelligence.
Maps Image APIs;Places API;Web Services;Google Earth API;Maps API Licensing;Google Maps API for Work	Emphasizes local knowledge; Contributors use aerial imagery, GPS devices, and low-tech field maps to verify that OSM is accurate and up to date; Built by a community of mappers that contribute and maintain data	Drag and drop data import allows you to create visualizations in seconds;Make sense of your location data and power your business.;Create beautiful visualizations with our easy to use design and styling tools.;Run spatial analysis with no coding.;Create dashboards to explore and filter your data.;Share your visualizations securely with your team or publish them on the web.;Integrate maps and geospatial analyses directly into your websites.;Create Mobile applications with CARTO Mobile SDK.;
Statistics
GitHub Stars -	GitHub Stars -	GitHub Stars 2.8K
GitHub Forks -	GitHub Forks -	GitHub Forks 658
Stacks 42.5K	Stacks 255	Stacks 40
Followers 29.8K	Followers 473	Followers 78
Votes 568	Votes 58	Votes 3
Pros & Cons
Pros 253 Free 136 Address input through maps api 82 Sharable Directions 47 Google Earth 46 Unique Cons 5 Google Attributions and logo 2 Only map allowed alongside google place autocomplete	Pros 23 Simple 17 Free 9 Open-Source 8 Open-Data 1 React/ RNative integration	Pros 1 Crisp UI 1 Great customer service 1 Comprehensive platform

What are some alternatives to Google Maps, OpenStreetMap, CARTO?

Mapbox

We make it possible to pin travel spots on Pinterest, find restaurants on Foursquare, and visualize data on GitHub.

Leaflet

Leaflet is an open source JavaScript library for mobile-friendly interactive maps. It is developed by Vladimir Agafonkin of MapBox with a team of dedicated contributors. Weighing just about 30 KB of gzipped JS code, it has all the features most developers ever need for online maps.

OpenLayers

An opensource javascript library to load, display and render maps from multiple sources on web pages.

ArcGIS

It is a geographic information system for working with maps and geographic information. It is used for creating and using maps, compiling geographic data, analyzing mapped information, sharing and much more.

CSV2GEO

It provides live conversion of batch addresses into geographic coordinates (address to lat long) or turn coordinates into well formatted address. It creates and publishes interactive maps.

MapTiler

It is a software for map tile rendering. It has been designed for producing seamless maps and aerial photo layers covering whole countries. The rendering is fast and efficient, and it can fully utilize multiple CPUs to 100%.

MAPS.ME

MAPS.ME is an open source cross-platform offline maps application, built on top of crowd-sourced OpenStreetMap data. It was publicly released for iOS and Android.

LocationIQ

Free and Fast Geocoding Service

Stadia Maps

We enable devs to contextualize their data on a map and build complicated apps involving routing, time zones, and more with our APIs. We hate billing surprises as much as you, and if you send us an email, you'll get a real human reply.

Valhalla

Valhalla is Mapzen’s open-source routing service for client-side routing applications and hosted solutions. If you are looking to avoid the challenge of data creation and database administration, you can get high-quality routes and navigational guidance with clear directions through a simple API call.

Related Comparisons

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.

CARTO vs Google Maps vs OpenStreetMap

Overview