Top 14 Google Maps Alternative API

The most popular platform for geolocation and visualization on the internet is Google Maps. You may use it to determine which route to commute to work, the quickest route to your relative’s apartment, or the best place to locate delicious meals. However, Google Maps’ capabilities go beyond its smartphone app; if you manage a company website or app and need to incorporate location shows in any form, it provides developer APIs that give access to Google’s geographically distinct data.

You may show live maps on your webpage and edit them as you see fit using a Google Maps API. If you run a travel website, you may utilize maps to assist consumers in planning their journeys. A transportation or delivery business may utilize Google Maps to display the itineraries of its drivers. For 1,000 transactions, the corporation costs $7 for static Street View mapping and $14 for adaptive Street View maps.

Since Google Maps data is updated in real-time, any maps you generate using the Google API would still be current for users. There are a lot of factors to consider and almost unlimited methods to integrate maps into your website, so let’s begin with the fundamentals: 

What is a Google Maps API?

A map API, or “Application Programming Interface,” is a type of API that gives programmers access to Google’s Maps features and information for their applications. You could use the Google Maps API to integrate personalized Google Maps into your app or website. Follow the procedure to sign up for and obtain a Google API key:

• Click Get Began on this Google Maps Network home page.
• You will be required to log in or establish an identity if you don’t already have one with Google.
• Google will walk you through the process of registering for a free trial of the Cloud Platform from Google. Click once you have read and accepted the terms of service.
• Enter your phone number to verify your identity on the next page, then click Submit Code. Click Verify after entering the obtained verification code.
• Select your account option (individuals or enterprises) and provide your brand names on the next screen. Next, input the details of your debit card or credit card. Without you set automatic payment, Google won’t charge you for activity.
• You must transfer your API key to the clipboard after receiving it in step 6. Do not divulge this key to anybody but the members of your team who use the API, and preserve it carefully preserved. Additionally, you have the option to activate full Google Maps API access and sign up to get current budget notifications.
• If you’d like to explore the fundamentals of the Maps API, choose to Create a Demo. Click Perhaps Later if not. Let’s go with Maybe Later for now.
• To avoid negative use if your API key is stolen, Google also advises blocking queries made using your API key. Choose your limitation kind from the Designate constraint type option (based on your enterprise) and any further data requested for your constraint before you may limit your key. Choose the Restrict Key after that.

After finishing these steps, you are now prepared to access the API for Google Maps.

The Google Maps Engine now provides several APIs for various features of its service. For straightforward Google Map assembles, there is a Maps Static API; for dynamic and configurable maps, there is a Maps JavaScript API; for information about nearby attractions, there is a Places API; and for instructions to a destination, there is a Navigation API.

You generally will only use some Google Maps API on your webpage, but based on your required options, you can need many API integrations. After registering to utilise the API, you may get all these APIs and other development tools. So, how exactly do you use Google Maps APIs? Signing up and obtaining an API key represents the initial step. Let’s discover how.

Best Google Places API Alternatives

You’ve arrived at the correct spot if you share our disappointment with Google’s recent announcement of modifications to its Maps product. Developers have their job cut out because they have only around six weeks till the revisions go into effect: Audit, modify, test, and implement a different approach. Consequently, a suggestion that may simplify the process is a collection of possible substitutes for the Google Maps API.

1. TomTom

In terms of location tracking, TomTom has a stellar reputation. Additionally, their high-quality maps provide businesses and clients with trustworthy solutions. Despite being and always having been a subscription service, TomTom provides a wealth of charting and maritime capabilities.

TomTom Price

The service would be a paid one. After the initial 2,500 requests are free, there is a fee of approximately $0.50 for every 1,000 queries.

2. Mapfit

In every nation, Mapfit asserted to be more accurate than Google Maps and to provide consumers with location tracking of the best quality. The firm also provided programmer APIs to create the most comprehensive location-based experiences. From late 2016 through mid-2018, Mapfit got 6.1 million in overall investment, per Crunchbase.

Mapfit API Price

Mapfit costs $0.50 for every 1,000 extra API queries made by customers, or they may choose the $1,499/month corporate subscription, which comes with 5 million map sessions. **

3. Mapbox

Mobile apps may incorporate Mapbox, a cutting-edge and adaptable map service. Owing to the Mapbox tilesets, programmers would have had access to complete location data to build and alter dynamic and static maps. The included JavaScript library may embed the stylized maps into online apps, and the companion iOS and Android SDKs can be used to embed them into mobile apps.

Mapbox Price

The monthly starting price for Mapbox is $50.0. Mapbox offers just one package called Essential (Maintenance plans), which costs $50 per month.

4. HERE

The performance of HERE’s custom maps more than meets the bar set by being the uncontested pioneer in the geolocation ecosystem. Their extensive coverage is updated almost daily and has excellent accuracy.

HERE offers substantial map visualization capability concerning all the elements other suppliers tout, public transportation information, and other services. Check out their price approach below to determine if it works better for you since it differs significantly from our other recommendations.

HERE Price

Unlimited access for the first 250,000 monthly requests, $1 for each additional 1,000, OR $449 for the 500,000 monthly requests.

5. Leaflet

Development professionals have had great success using open-source alternatives. Additionally, this tendency is seen in the market for mapping APIs. One of several open-source API options for Google Maps, Leaflet has gained much popularity owing to its cutting-edge JavaScript data framework and available customizability. Although you would need to look for some third-party solutions to handle that aspect since Leaflet would not be a mapping service, it is the go-to option for programmers that support open-source software.

Leaflet Price

The Leaflet is only a JavaScript library, as opposed to Google Maps and certain other all-in-one alternatives. Although it is free for use, it does not offer independent map data.

6. OpenLayers

OpenLayers is a free option for presenting dynamic charts on a website or application. It uses several sources to assemble its tiles, notably OpenStreetMap, although API is limited to raw geodata.

OpenLayers allows you to generate vector layers on the map per standard maps and place marks anywhere you choose. Not a big deal for a completely free service!

Price: Free

7. LocationIQ

LocationIQ can be an excellent substitute if your project calls for geocoding or reverse geocoding. For non-commercial usage, its incredibly low pricing strategy offers 10,000 free operations per day, whereas, for business customers, the most popular package is 50,000 connections per day for $100. OpenStreetMap would be the data source used by LocationIQ.

Price

The monthly price is $47.21 to start.

8. MapTiler

Global Highway and Satellite Mapping APIs are offered by MapTiler, driven by open-source code and open data. Due to vector tiles, MapTiler is accessible with Leaflet, and OpenLayers, in addition to accessible Mapbox SDKs (along with Android, iOS, and Unity sports), providing programmers with the much-needed tool flexibility. Their maps are 80% less expensive than Google Maps and may be readily modified with brand colours, easily implemented, or even shared.

Price

The starting price is $3,450.

9. Sygic Maps

Enterprise-grade map-independent platform Sygic offers cloud-based mapping from HERE, TomTom, OSM, and certain other providers. Although they do not publish their prices online, they promise they are very reasonable and accessible, which has helped them attract 200 million users over the past 15 years. You may easily get a sample API key here.

Price: There is a price. $ 11.99. $ 19.99.

10. Jawgmaps API

Paris-based regarding non-commercial use, Jawg’s API includes a free tier that grants you 50,000 map visits. The helpful video above demonstrates how to change between Google Maps to Jawgmaps in under a minute. The good news is that even if you wouldn’t speak French, you can still comprehend it. To view their full-price schedule. This is certainly not a complete list, and several more Maps API substitutes are available.

Price: Beginning With: €250.00 each month.

11. Openstreet Map

A function in OpenStreetMap would be a geographical object that may be mapped. Although OpenStreetMap involves mapping actual and present aspects of the real world, this may include environmental and manufactured items. We exclude personal information, such as ratings, historical information, or hypothetical attributes.

Price: Free

12. OmsAnd API

For users of Android and iOS, this navigation API created by a Dutch business serves as a substitute for Google Maps API. Many features of OmsAnd, such as publishing destinations and locating nearby areas of interest, are also available on Google Maps. However, they also utilise OpenStreetMap as a basis for their navigation data and their own. Paid APIs include OmsAnd. It comes in a basic version, and additional features may be purchased to add other functionality.

Price: Free and paid bundles

13. Geoapify API

Get maps, geocoding, navigation APIs, and more at reasonable pricing. The Geoapify API solution is an affordable substitute for Google Maps. For significant request quantities, we provide unique discounts and flexible price options. Change right away could save approximately 90%.

Price: The unmetered API queries begin at 700 euros.

14. GraphHopper

Utilise web tools to enhance your software for travelling salespeople or the food delivery business by including route planning, mapping, and traffic-informed network planning. They aid in the optimisation of the route options in your GIS, property investment, or logistical software.

Features

Price: GraphHopper Maps are available for free usage. 

Conclusion 

Today, a map is a necessary progressive process without which you would be powerless. They are crucial to any industry’s geolocation and warehouse management services. Get information on 16,865,891 domains that use the Google Maps API. Maps make it possible to monitor traffic properly, assess range, and deliver accurate time predictions into your logistical strategy. They are used to increase overall operational efficiencies.

Place a map of your company or your enterprise on a map. If you’re acquainted with APIs in principle, Geolocation Services are even and not quite as complicated to use once you get going. If you look around, you can find some uses for mapping that you had yet to consider before and integrated into your website or business. Additionally, obtaining a free code and testing your capabilities with your free inquiries is fine. However, there are many more alternatives available (here are a few additional of those that have been compared), and each of the following 15 stands out due to its unique manner.

How Can We Help You?

The cost of the Google Maps API has significantly increased over the previous few years, and the number of free feature alternatives has decreased. And such adjustments may have a direct impact on how much money most companies and retailers have set aside to invest in their online services. Additionally, Google’s API for Maps is closed-source and offers few modification choices.

However, companies should consider searching for a solution to this API so they may continue using shop finders and other mapping services on their pages without spending a fortune. Are you interested in Google Maps API rivals or options available? The stability and usability of potential Google Maps API substitutes should also be considered. We have collected a list of service evaluators deemed the finest Google Maps API equivalents and rivals.