Maps for web application: One than is cheaper than Google Maps?

[nic777]

Hi,

We are looking for a mapping solution where we provide a map of the area of our client's fixed asset that we are tracking.

So dynamic maps such as Google Maps are not really necessary and a static map or picture of map will do. Although I think a dynamic map with an API will be much easier to implement.

We are also focussing on SA only for now.

We are currently using Google Maps on a trial basis but they have a very steep licence fee which we need to get as you will need to login and have a paid account to see the maps and for that Google needs a licence fee. Currently its $10 000 a year.

Can anyone recommend a mapping provider which can match the above requirements?

Best Regards,
Nick

 

[Deenem]

Something like http://www.openstreetmap.org/ might work for you.

 

[shogun]

Something like http://www.openstreetmap.org/ might work for you.

^^This. I was in the same place 3 years ago that you are now (different type of project requirement... but also needed mapping data)

OSM is definitely the way to go. There are a bunch of different tile servers (e.g. opencyclemap.org) that you can run with based on OSM data... or even better, download the open source code and roll your own. The project has taken off in a big way here in South Africa and there are a lot of active mappers. Also, if you need some support, join the OSM mailing list and ask some questions... members will always help out where they can.

The nice thing about OSM data, is that it's free to use, and you can edit it where you find places that need improvement.

Definitely recommend.

 

[FarligOpptreden]

I see their maps are a bit outdated though - the area I stay (in the region they claim to be Crowthorne in Midrand), north of Arthur Road and between the R55 and Seventh / Garden road isn't even mapped yet... Tambotie and Acacia Roads are nonexistent there.

 

[shogun]

I see their maps are a bit outdated though - the area I stay (in the region they claim to be Crowthorne in Midrand), north of Arthur Road and between the R55 and Seventh / Garden road isn't even mapped yet... Tambotie and Acacia Roads are nonexistent there.

That's an open source project for you. Perhaps next time you drive the route, you wouldn't mind logging the GPS trace (GPX format) and uploading it for someone to map?

 

[roguemat]

I can't remember the details, but when I was dealing with this a while back I remember Bing Maps being alot more relaxed on regulations than Google Maps. Maybe check them out? But don't quote me on that.
Also, their components(web/Silverlight) are great.

 

[Gnome]

LOL $10 000 is really cheap for what you get with Google Maps. Matching what they provide for $10 000 would be impossible.

Hell compared to what you pay for other lesser pieces of software (eg IBM Portal @ R3mil a year per CPU) $10 000 a year is positively a bargain...

 

[nic777]

Something like http://www.openstreetmap.org/ might work for you.

Thanks Deenem and Shogun, I will check it out. I have to say that the maps have been updated since I last checked out the project 2 years ago

 

[CrazYmonkeY159]

Have you had a look at Bing maps?

 

[shogun]

Thanks Deenem and Shogun, I will check it out. I have to say that the maps have been updated since I last checked out the project 2 years ago

Oh for sure. Since then OSM has had huge growth. Growth was exponential for a while, and now it's just a straight line upwards.

The point with OSM, is that because it's free for anyone to use (commercial use as well) and edit, it can be updated very quickly. I think this is what's leading to the enormous growth country / world wide. There are around 375 000 registered users at the moment: http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Stats

@Gnome: Cheap for what you get... and affordable are two very different things. Sure, if you want satellite imagery world wide that's the way to go... but if you are a small company starting out... that's an impossible amount of money to consider when it can be spent on other more important things... especially when you just need to place something at a location and don't need bells and whistles.

The other nice thing about OSM, is that you have access to the underlying data... meaning that you can go and create your own maps and style them however you want. opencyclemap.org is a fantastic example of this... the guy merged OSM data with SRTM shuttle data to create a really useful relief map.