OpenStreetMap vs. Overture Maps: Which Is Right for Your Project?

In recent years, mapping services have become an essential part of everyday life, business operations, and technological solutions. When working with geospatial technologies, a key challenge arises—where to source accurate geographic data? Two major projects, OpenStreetMap (OSM) and Overture Maps, provide open alternatives to commercial maps from Google and Apple.

This article explores the key differences, advantages, and disadvantages of both platforms to help you choose the right one for your needs.

What is OpenStreetMap (OSM)?

OpenStreetMap (OSM) is a crowdsourced, open mapping project that has been active since 2004. Contributors worldwide add and update map data, making OSM a valuable resource for obtaining up-to-date geographic information.

Key Features of OSM:

• Detailed information on roads, buildings, natural features, and infrastructure

• Data structured as objects with attributes (tags)

• Free and open for use

Types of Data in OSM:

• Roads and transport networks

• Traffic regulations and movement restrictions

• Buildings and structures

• Natural and geographic features

• Infrastructure and public amenities

Advantages of OSM:

• Open Access: Freely available for use without restrictions

• Flexibility: Compatible with tools like Leaflet, Mapbox, and QGIS

• Regular Updates: Continuously updated by an active community

Challenges of OSM:

• Data Variability: Accuracy depends on community activity in different regions

• Lack of Standardization: Data structures vary by country

• Limited 3D Support: Not ideal for AR/VR applications

Who Should Use OSM?

For GIS Developers and Analysts:

• Ideal for web maps, mobile apps, and GIS analysis

• Provides a vast, detailed dataset with road geometry, buildings, and infrastructure

For Urban and Environmental Researchers:

• Useful for urban planning, traffic analysis, and environmental monitoring

• Offers free access to academic projects

For Businesses and Logistics Companies:

• Supports custom map servers without dependence on Google

• Enables route planning and geomarketing

What is Overture Maps?

Overture Maps Foundation was launched in 2022 with backing from Meta, Microsoft, Amazon, and TomTom. The goal is to create a unified, standardized mapping dataset for commercial and technological applications.

Key Features of Overture Maps:

• Aggregated Data: Combines crowdsourced data with satellite and commercial sources

• AI-Powered Mapping: Automates updates and reduces reliance on manual editing

• Enterprise Integration: Designed for large-scale business applications

Types of Data in Overture Maps:

• Buildings: Includes outlines, height data, and classification from satellite and LiDAR sources

• Points of Interest (POI): Aggregated from OSM, commercial databases, and partners (Amazon, Meta)

• Roads and Transport: Global road network with speed limits, road surface types, and traffic directions

• Administrative Boundaries: Country, regional, and municipal borders

Advantages of Overture Maps:

• High Accuracy: Data from verified sources, including commercial providers

• Standardized Format: Simplifies integration with mapping applications

• AI and Big Data Integration: Optimized for advanced analytics

• 3D Support: Compatible with 3D mapping solutions

Challenges of Overture Maps:

• Still Developing: The project is new and evolving

• Less Flexible: Primarily designed for enterprise integration

• Limited Tooling: Fewer development tools compared to OSM

• Corporate Influence: Reliant on major tech companies, potentially limiting community-driven innovation

Who Should Use Overture Maps?

For Businesses and Large Enterprises:

• Optimized for AI, big data analysis, and corporate systems

• Ideal for logistics, e-commerce, and cloud-based mapping solutions

For AI and Machine Learning Applications:

• Suitable for AI-driven mapping models, autonomous vehicles, and drone navigation

• Provides structured data for seamless AI integration

Comparing OSM and Overture: Licensing Differences

What Does This Mean?

• OSM: Requires all modifications to remain open-source. More details on OSM licensing can be found [here: https://osmfoundation.org/wiki/Licence/Licence_and_Legal_FAQ#1.1._What_license_applies_to_the_use_of_the_OSM_Data?].

• Overture: Allows modifications without mandatory disclosure, but not all datasets fall under this rule. More details on Overture licensing can be found [here: https://docs.overturemaps.org/attribution/].

Using OSM and Overture with GISCARTA

On the GISCARTA platform, the Geodata AI widget enables users to extract data from OSM and Overture effortlessly—without external applications or coding. Learn more about this feature in our [blog: https://giscarta.com/blog/ai-for-giscarta].

Conclusion

• OpenStreetMap is ideal for public, academic, and non-commercial projects.

• Overture Maps is better suited for commercial services, AI, and big data applications due to its flexible licensing.

Currently, OSM remains the most accessible and adaptable platform, while Overture Maps presents a promising alternative still in development. As both projects evolve, the future of digital mapping may undergo significant changes.