tools//OpenStreetMap

OpenStreetMap is an open-source, community-maintained map database, the Wikipedia of maps: anyone can edit it, and the data is free to use. Mapbox, Leaflet, Apple Maps (partially), Meta, Microsoft and thousands of apps use it.

OpenStreetMap is an open-source, community-maintained map database, the Wikipedia of maps: anyone can edit it, and the data is free to use. Mapbox, Leaflet, Apple Maps (partially), Meta, Microsoft and thousands of apps use it.

The raw data carries no API fees, unlike Google Maps Platform, the proprietary counterpart that sells polished UX and ready-made APIs.

Rendering and routing require one's own infrastructure or third-party services (Mapbox, OSRM, Nominatim).

Data quality varies by region: excellent in Europe, uneven in developing countries.