Comparing Map APIs: OpenLayers vs. Google Maps vs. OpenStreetMap

Map Data Source:

• OpenLayers: OpenLayers can use various map data sources, including OpenStreetMap, Bing Maps, and Mapbox. It provides flexibility in choosing the underlying map data.
• Google Maps: Google Maps uses its own proprietary map data, which is known for its extensive coverage and high level of detail.
• OpenStreetMap: OpenStreetMap (OSM) is a collaborative mapping project where users contribute to creating and maintaining the map data.

API Features and Functionality:

• OpenLayers: OpenLayers offers a comprehensive set of mapping features, including various map layers, markers, vector data, geolocation, routing, and extensive customization options.
• Google Maps: Google Maps offers a wide range of features, including map layers, markers, street view, directions, geocoding, and rich visualization options. It also provides additional services like Places API, Street View API, and Geocoding API.
• OpenStreetMap: OpenStreetMap provides a basic map display, including map layers, markers, and navigation. However, compared to Google Maps, it has fewer built-in features and functionalities.

Pricing and Usage Restrictions:

• OpenLayers: Free, open-source library without usage restrictions or pricing.
• Google Maps: Free and paid plans with usage limits on the free tier.
• OpenStreetMap: Free to use, but third-party services may have their own pricing models.

Customizability and Styling:

• OpenLayers: Highly customizable, extensive control over map styling.
• Google Maps: Limited customization, user-friendly interface for basic styles.
• OpenStreetMap: Limited customization compared to OpenLayers.

Community and Documentation:

• OpenLayers: Active community, comprehensive docs, and resources.
• Google Maps: Extensive user base, detailed docs, and developer forums.
• OpenStreetMap: Passionate contributors, available docs/resources, not as extensive as Google Maps or OpenLayers. 

“LookOut Desktop”

This summer I work with RoboticsCats, a machine vision startup, in the CITRIS Workforce Innovation Program. One of my key internship activities is to build a MVP (minimum viable product) to connect surveillance cameras with LookOut Wildfire Detection SaaS. The MVP is a desktop application and provides a map-based GUI to help customers, especially those in the forestry industry,  to use their cameras and LookOut more efficiently to locate early-stage wildfires and take timely action to reduce the wildfire risks. “LookOut Desktop” is the internal code name of the MVP.

The reason we have chosen OpenLayers as the mapping system for “LookOut Desktop” is primarily due to its compatibility with the Forestry GIS. With OpenLayers, we can seamlessly integrate additional map layers specifically tailored to our Forestry GIS requirements, providing us with an efficient and unified solution for our wildfire detection technologies.

Moreover, we encountered limitations with using Google Maps as an alternative. One major issue is the uncertainty surrounding the licensing requirements, which introduced concerns and potentially complex compliance processes. Additionally, Google Maps is not available in certain countries, such as South Korea, limiting the accessibility and effectiveness of our website in those regions 

Given that “LookOut Desktop” aims to display the locations of cameras and detected fires, it is essential to have a reliable and globally accessible mapping solution. OpenLayers not only addresses these concerns but also empowers us to implement custom functionalities and maintain greater control over the mapping system.

Thanks to the selected customers who will join us to test run the new “LookOut Desktop” in the coming months. We’re looking forward to their feedback. We will learn a lot from their usage. The MVP will accelerate our build-measure-learn loop and help develop “LookOut Desktop” to better meet the customer needs.

 Please contact us at info@roboticscats.com for any questions.