Best Map API for Location-Based Services: Mapbox vs Google Maps vs OpenStreetMap

The display functionality is the basis of any software associated with logistics. This applies to both serious transport routes and the usual displacements of users within the city. What tool is better to choose to plan and track the movement, and which popular maps API are well adapted for such requests, we will tell in this material.

What is Mapbox API?

Mapbox's mission is to provide map data and analysis for non-profit organizations. In addition, customizable maps platform and location based tools are available, for example, for Facebook and Snapchat, as well as local businesses, which improves geofencing settings.

Mapbox is still open source and is constantly working to improve libraries and mapping applications. You can also use a wide range of features to integrate maps services into any website or mobile application. Another plus is the ability to use Mapbox to create a custom map with turn-by-turn navigation and optional search functionality.

What is Google Maps API?

The Google Maps API is a set of application programming interfaces for later use of its services. Thanks to the service, you can create simple applications for more complex ones using geolocation.

Thanks to the Maps API, you can customize the display of Google maps in the browser or on selected iOS or Android devices, even specifying a specific location. It is also possible to configure additional information above the marker indicated on the map.

Create a polygon on the map that captures a specific area on the map, or a polyline that will include various points along the route planning. Such flexibility makes Google Maps API a common choice in projects delivered through full cycle software development services, from initial concept and architecture to deployment and long-term support.

What is OpenStreetMap API?

OpenStreetMap is created by a community of cartographers who add and maintain data for roads, trails, cafes, train stations and many other sites around the world.

OpenStreetMap emphasizes local knowledge. Participants also use aerial photographs, GPS devices and low-tech land maps to verify that OSM data is accurate and up-to-date. The service provides data for thousands of sites, mobile applications and devices completely free of charge with the requirement to specify

Read also: The Right Way to Build a Mobile App with Geofencing

The Comparison of the Most Popular Maps API’s

Let's consider the most popular Maps API's with their disadvantages and advantages, and also consider which of them to apply in each case.

The Pros & Cons of Mapbox API

Mapbox Studio is a great solution for integrating maps into high-quality visualization products for the supply chain. It is a fast growing service that is constantly being updated with new features.

Pros

Settings for every taste

Mapbox is considered to be the most customizable mapping system. Here it is possible to assemble a real constructor from your preferences, right down to the brand book. Mapbox allows you to connect step-by-step instructions and information about the terrain and locations in it.

Open source SDK

Mapbox publishes the code on GitHub, so you always have a chance to improve your solutions. The Mapbox Maps SDK is developed on the basis of the Mapbox GL Native library, which allows you to easily embed interactive vector maps into ready-made applications.

Easy integration with PubNub

PubNub provides many options for providing dynamic map rendering, taking into account real-time events. Thus, this technology is simply irreplaceable in the operation of applications.

Mapbox AR

With the Mapbox Maps SDK for Unity, you can create location-based mapping services using POIs. All this allows you to make three-dimensional buildings, terrain and even AR.

Offline maps

While the Google Maps API lacks this functionality, Mapbox offers quite a few offline capabilities. Besides downloading for offline access, Mapbox can even cache pages.

High download speed

Despite the huge amount of data, Mapbox is fast, which is achieved by the excellent optimization of Mapbox GL JS and the architecture of the set of titles that’s useful e.g. for transportation management.

Established processing standards

It may come as a bit of a surprise when you start working with Mapbox, but then you get used to it and

Cons

Poor map coverage in some regions

Mapbox uses OpenStreetMap (OSM), which is continually evolving but still underperforming in India and China.

Difficult learning

The basics of the Mapbox API take time to learn, especially with regard to standardization and data flow.

The Pros & Cons of Google Maps API

Google Maps uses very reliable navigation data, which is why most users prefer this particular map service. Let's take a look at the main advantages and disadvantages of Google Maps.

Pros

Geographic coverage

Google Maps has individual patching capabilities and various terrain view modes. Users can even control the visibility and transparency of map elements.

Street view

Interactive panoramas from different angles that become real thanks to Keyhole (KML) and GeoRSS functions. And integrations with Street View even allow business owners to take virtual tours.

Multilingual

Maps are available in almost any language and are available all over the world.

Post-renewal

The Google Maps mapping service is a global platform that includes a huge amount of diverse information about local points around the world.

Cons

Browser limitations

Alas, not all browsers support the Google Maps JavaScript API.

Limits on the number of requests

The user can send no more than 50 requests per second to the Directions API, if the API is not monitored, the account may be blocked.

Design constraints

The Google Maps API has several limitations in creating map designs when integrating maps into your finished application.

Closed API Code

Google is too self-confident and self-sufficient to ask the developer community for help. Therefore, there is no possibility of implementing third-party solutions based on Google Maps.

Features of pricing

In Google Maps, it is difficult to understand how and for what you are billed. For example, for an API call, $ 200 is allocated per user per month. But as soon as this amount is spent, an additional fee is charged.

The Pros & Cons of OpenStreetMap API

OpenStreetMap is a project that is constantly being supplemented and refined. So what is the project for and when it is not applicable.

Pros

Open API

The OpenStreetMap API is free and open-source, which means it's profitable and you can improve the solutions for yourself.

Volunteer card

OpenStreetMap is continually being supplemented by the local map communities. This allows the database to be expanded quickly and free of charge.

Cons

Requires additional services

The API has very simple functionality, so any additional actions will require either authoring solutions or ready-made universal solutions based on OSM data.

Limits on the number of requests

Users can be locked, even without prior notice.

Mapbox vs Google Maps vs OpenStreetMap: Pricing

 All three cartographic systems have different payment settings. So, while the OpenStreetMap API is completely free, Google Maps and Mapbox have certain pricing tags. The key difference between the two is exactly what the fee is charged for: Google charges for the number of requests, and Mapbox also takes into account the number of users.

In addition, Mapbox has individual approaches to pricing, while Google Maps does not change pricing based on server load. You can take advantage of $ 200 per user / month discounts on Google. Mapbox is more generous, and apart from the user interface, you can get 750,000 free API calls in some categories. Mapbox also has the ability to save as your user base grows.

How to Choose the Best Mapping Platform For Your Project

In order to choose the right mapping service for your project, it is important to understand the specifics of each of them in practice. Let's consider the main ones in comparison.

Customization: Here is the leader of Mapbox, which is geared towards custom SaaS solutions. Google Maps is in second place, but OSM is significantly inferior.

Operating costs: On the contrary, free OpenStreetMap wins more. Google Maps and Mapbox have additional costs that aren't always obvious, but critical for logistics software.

Functionality: Mapbox with Google Maps has a wide range of features that help to achieve maximum results and user loyalty.

 Integration capabilities: a lot depends on your team and their technical skills and their experience with the API and SDK. There isn't much of a favorite here, although Google Maps is often chosen for its popularity.

Since budget is often the argument for choice, OpenStreetMap grabs the attention of business owners. But you shouldn't underestimate Google Maps and Mapbox, which provide great opportunities for integration and custom solutions.

Also, answer the following questions:

1) What mapping features will your business need?

E.g. delivery systems must consider geography, the need for navigation and offline mode. For basic functionality, OpenStreetMap will suffice, and for more advanced features, Mapbox will be required.

2) What is your user base and do you expect growth? The quantity and quality of data will affect not only the level of service, but, for example, in the case of Mapbox, the cost.

3) What is the geography of your business?

For better choices, check out the documentation for each API. For example, Mapbox has a more detailed estimate of traffic data.

4) Do you need open source code?

Any expansion of functions is possible with an open API for solution transportation. Think about this in advance.

Final Thoughts

Choosing an IPA, you should take into account not only your current situation but also prospects and plans. Most businesses prefer Google Maps, which have a more stable performance and reputation. It also has a huge database of information that far surpasses even Mapbox.

Think about map integrations and potential audience growth. A business analyst can help you with this and take into account app development trends, which can help you promote your product development using the best practices