Live data from Hacker News

Why Use OpenStreetMap Instead of Google Maps?

openstreetmap.org

211–215 of 215 posts

Re: Why Use OpenStreetMap Instead of Google Maps?

#211
post #204
post #200

Earlier quoted context omitted.

This has to be sarcasm.

It certainly feels like it. If it did not have that snark though, one could make the point that the data could still be 'deanonimitized'.

It's not sarcasm. It doesn't actually matter at all if Google Maps "tracks" you. But this pointless legislation decided it does and now people have to settle for surely inferior alternatives.

Re: Why Use OpenStreetMap Instead of Google Maps?

#212
post #204

Earlier quoted context omitted.

It certainly feels like it. If it did not have that snark though, one could make the point that the data could still be 'deanonimitized'.

It's not sarcasm. It doesn't actually matter at all if Google Maps "tracks" you. But this pointless legislation decided it does and now people have to settle for surely inferior alternatives.

You're saying the "pointless legislation" had a point. Just not one that you agree with.

This is a guess, but I suspect the point had to do with data privacy. Maybe someone wrote legislation that prohibits public websites from hosting ads, or third party browser-tracking software. And google maps fits that.

In the parent comment, there's also this bit:

> but it is a lot cheaper than google maps

If true, this is an example of government regulations working as intended, and saving money.

Re: Why Use OpenStreetMap Instead of Google Maps?

#213
post #175
post #173

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Google Maps only supports offline maps in selected countries. Places like China, for instance, are not supported even though the online coverage is perfectly good in most major cities.

Which countries aren't supported?

Can't find a list but it does state in [1] that some regions aren't supported for various reasons. The only example that I can think about off the top of my head is China.

[1]: https://support.google.com/maps/answer/6291838

Re: Why Use OpenStreetMap Instead of Google Maps?

#214

Earlier quoted context omitted.

It's not sarcasm. It doesn't actually matter at all if Google Maps "tracks" you. But this pointless legislation decided it does and now people have to settle for surely inferior alternatives.

You're saying the "pointless legislation" had a point. Just not one that you agree with. This is a guess, but I suspect the point had to do with data privacy. Maybe someone wrote legislation that prohibits public websites from hosting ads, or third party browser-tracking software. And google maps fits that. In the parent comment, there's also this bit: > but it is a lot cheaper than google maps If true, this is an ex…

If an alternative was cheaper and of comparable quality then legislation shouldn't have been required for it to be chosen by whoever was in charge of the decision.

Re: Why Use OpenStreetMap Instead of Google Maps?

#215
post #198

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The main OSM org doesn't actually host any of the servers that end users use. They host a website for editors to contribute and publish data dumps. Devs providing access to OSM download the data dumps and host it on their own servers.

The OSM website includes tile servers which render the tiles that are on https://www.openstreetmap.org

They do but thats not meant to be used on your app/website. It's mainly for editors to use.
Post reply on HN