MapMyIndia, OpenStreetMap, and Google Maps Comparison 2024

MapMyIndia, OpenStreetMap and Google Maps serve the same function – telling where vehicles are. But how they do it are slightly different in terms of pricing, interface, etc.

When you think of vehicle tracking software – the first thing to come to mind would be – tracking. Right? 

And where are these vehicles tracked? On a virtual map – of course! 

The virtual map integrated with your fleet management software makes a huge difference in the entire fleet management system. So, you should be aware of which one will work the best for your fleet. 

The top maps major fleet management software are currently using are MapMyIndia, Google Maps, and OpenStreetMap. However, some companies offer you the choice of map you want to use to manage your fleet. 

So, in this blog, you will learn about the significant similarities and differences between the top competitors to help you choose the right fit. Let’s navigate through! 

Google Maps vs. OpenStreetMap vs. MapMyIndia

While choosing your fleet management software, you’ll see:

• Either the provider offering you a particular map’s API 
• Or the provider giving you the option to choose a map API 

Either way, you should be clear on the geo-location service you want to use in your organisation. And the best services to choose from are OpenStreetMap. Google Maps, and MapMyIndia. 

• Google Maps: For most casual geo-location service users, Google Maps is a go-to service. Why? Because it is locally integrated with other Google devices and systems. The map offers 99% coverage, street view, real-time traffic data, satellite imagery, and a user-friendly interface. It is a closed-source service with all data stored with Google.

• OpenStreetMap: OpenStreetMaps is an open source project for people using mapping solutions and want to volunteer into the navigation services. Therefore, with all the edits and additions the community makes. OpenStreetMap offers a very detailed and dynamic map. The open source has allowed the creation of the likes of OpenCycleMap – a version of OSM specifically created for cyclists.

• MapMyIndia: MapMyIndia is slowly taking over the navigation market. Both in India and globally (under their product Mappls). With advanced features like the 3D Junction View, location-based GIS, and telematics services, MapMyIndia goes head-to-head with Google Maps. 

Map Data

Map data – how munich is available, how it is sourced, and how it can be updated make a world of a difference while choosing a map API. 

OpenStreetMap is the most easily and frequently updated map on the list. Mostly because it is a wiki-style map with an open data collection and distribution philosophy. So, anybody can add and edit locations – therefore, it is updated every minute of the day. 

Google Maps and MapMyIndia both follow a closed data course policy. Therefore, their changes are centralised and slightly slower. 

Google maps claims to update their slight maps data every day with larger updates and features rolling in every few years. MapMyIndia, on the other hand, updates their maps every 6 months. They claim to take help from over 750 surveyors who walk and drive every corner of the city to provide accurate and refreshed data twice a year. 

Interface 

Interface is a very subjective matter and the impact is defined through various aspects:

• Ease of use 
• Navigation habits 
• Features on dashboard 
• Navigation through features

In the second (and probably the most important aspect), Google Maps takes the cake because of its monopoly-like distribution. Google Maps is the mandatory default navigation app on all Android devices. Therefore, for most users, Google Maps is a comfortable interface to work with – something they’re used to and are comfortable with. Moreover, Google Maps’ interface is obviously in tune with other Google products – so its clean and no-clutter interface can be a major attraction.

MapMyIndia, on the other hand, works on a different kind of charm. It is not as clean as Google Maps, but it offers functionality to its best. Whenever using MapMyIndia, you’ll be able to see a couple of extra (useful) elements such as speed limit, direction,and junction zoom. 

To the casual user only referencing a navigation app, these features might seem like clutter. However, on a commercial level, these things make a huge impact because of how easily actionable data is visible to the drivers. Information such as speed limits right on the dashboard can help them stay on track.

OpenStreet Map is not very different interface-wise from Google Maps. Obviously, they use exclusive elements, but the functionalities are pretty similar. One additional thing OpenStreetMap offers drivers is the ability to edit and add stops on the go.

Map APIs

The features and API segment is where OpenStreetMap might take a backseat while MapMyIndia takes the drivers’ seat with Google Maps on shotgun. 

Google Maps offers a variety of APIs such as 

• Maps API, 
• Street View API, 
• Directions API, 
• Geocoding API, 
• Geolocation API, 
• Places API, 
• Roads API, and 
• Time Zones API

Each one comes with its own set of features and when used together, Google Maps can not just point towards a location but also show real-world imagery (street view), user’s exact location on the map (geolocation), elevation on the way, real-time traffic data, up-to-date information about popular pit stops such as fuel stations, restaurants, etc. However, there are several reports of Google Maps APIs being comparatively slower than the competition, which ultimately affects user experience. 

MapMyIndia also has some advanced features where it is not restricted to only route viewing, planning, and location tracking. Instead, it also offers GIS analysis features. Some popular APIs you can get through MayMyIndia are:

• mGIS
• Route Optimisation API
• Vehicle Routing Problem APIs
• Travelled Route Image API
• Distance Matrix API
• Maps APIs
• Snap to Road API
• Navigation API and SDK
• Real-view API
• Workmate APIs, etc. 

OpenStreetMaps, on the other hand, only offers two default APIs – edit and overpass. While the former lets users add and edit locations on the map, the latter helps them find search-queries on the map at lightning speed. However, that doesn’t mean that OpenStreetMap cannot be used for navigation and complete mapping solutions. The only thing is that users will have to add third-party APIs to get the map to perform tens of other features. You can see the third-party API list for OSM here The third-party APIs, however, add some developmental issues for the software provider. 

Costing

OpenStreetMap is a completely free-of-cost mapping solution. Therefore, if you can go past all the third-party APIs, you will be able to use all its features – simple or advanced for free. 

Google Maps goes into the payable premise after about 28,500 maploads a month – which seems like a lot for a general user, but for a fleet manager, this might just be nothing. So, you’ll have to pay for Google Map services in your fleet management software. But the payment strategy is complex with each of its 28 APIs and SDKs priced differently. The average rate is very varied from $2 to $30 for every 1000 requests. Therefore, when you go past the complementary $200 usage, the pricing strategy might lose your trust due to the concussion. 

MapMyIndia, on the other hand, is a much simpler model. While the software offers a free plan for casual users, professional users have multiple options – according to API call volume. If the user is opting for the 10,000 API call package, it’ll cost them $302 per month or $3273 per year. While the 50,000 API call package costs about $605 per month and $6526 per year. 

So, if you’re looking for a professional but cost-effective solution, especially for India, MapMyIndia should be your call (if it is available with your software provider)

Summing Up 

There is a reason for the three players to have navigated their way towards the top – they have some strong sets of benefits to offer. However, none of them is a one-stop-solution for all fleet-centric businesses. 

Some deciding factors could be – the features they offer, their affordability, and the map data control you need. You can also choose a map according to the interface that best suits you and your drivers. 

So, when choosing fleet management software, make sure you are getting the map that suits your requirements the best!