How are Google Maps different from OpenStreetMap?
Google Maps and OpenStreetMap have many differences, as well as similarities. Both of them are a part of the science of where but with different approaches. One has an Open approach other has Closed approach depending on the collection and distribution of data.
Difference between Google Maps and OpenStreetMap
In the case of Google Maps, Google owns the changes made to Google Maps. In contrast, the user and the OSM community own the edits done to OpenStreetMap.
In the OpenStreetMap Community, expert volunteers around the world keep on updating the map as their environment changes. These updates in OpenStreetMap are version controlled, and the other users can see these updates immediately.
Google map has copyrights, and many organisations own it, but the OpenStreetMap users own data and software for OSM. OpenStreetMap foundation develops, promotes and protect the project.
Google Maps provide features like web service, Places API and Maps image APIs. OpenStreetMap has different features like local knowledge, open data and is community-driven.
Google Map has more coverage as compared to OpenStreetMap in many countries, which makes it the leading map in many countries like the United States and Japan.
OpenStreetMap has a lower coverage, but the user can edit to include the places. Google Map has detailed coverage up to the smallest streets. You will find local names of the locations if you are using a Google Map.
If you make any changes to Google Map, Google will first analyse it before including it formally. You can even evaluate other users edits.
OpenStreetMap is free without any hidden charges, but Google Map has certain charges with Google mapping services.
Google Map is a close system, and every information is property of Google. OpenStreetMap is an open data source, and its information is available to every organisation and user.
The talented mappers of Google Map make sure that the colour and design is attractive, which makes it easy to distinguish different parts. OpenStreetMap has few colour schemes to devote features, so it takes time to distinguish features.
Apart from these differences, a similar thing among them is that both have an API that allows the users to access maps and data on web pages and other applications. Google Map API uses a simple javascript interface to permit the embedding of Google Maps for developers. OpenStreetMap also enables you to access the data using the Overpass API, which is a read-only API. The user can send a query and get the data set.
OSM gives better performance in various urban centres as compared to Google Maps. Google Maps are the best for online purposes. OpenStreetMap allows the users to download the maps that can be used offline also for either finding a route or identifying a location.
Both have many advantages and disadvantages over each other, but it completely depends on the user preference, which one suits them best. The choice depends upon the specific needs of the user and the availability. If you are interested in cartography, try both and find out which suits you best.
