Google Maps may have competition from nonprofit

Google Maps may have competition from nonprofit


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SALT LAKE CITY — Google Maps users are running into issues with the system and OpenStreetMap thinks it can offer an alternative solution, according to NPR.

OpenStreetMap is an online mapping system similar to Google Maps, but its content comes from volunteers all around the world.

While some speculate whether this volunteer-based system is a disadvantage to the nonprofit company because volunteers could simply stop adding content whenever they wanted, OpenStreetMap is still going strong.

"Martin Garner, an analyst with CCS Insight, says companies like Apple and other Google competitors realize maps are becoming the key to our digital lives — from choosing a restaurant to finding the nearest dentist," NPR wrote.

With an update in technology, map users want more than just accurate results when they need directions; they want their map to give them results for anything and everything they type in. Garner realizes this and understands mapping systems must update to fit the needs of users.

Robert Scott, one of the many volunteers who contributes to OpenStreetMap, feels the mapping system doesn't sound like much competition to Google. However, he says Google makes usage extremely difficult for businesses just starting up because of multiple limitations.

The mapping system has an advantage over Google because OpenStreetMap offers its information for free. If a company wants to use a large amount of data, Google requires the company to pay.

Because of this, some companies have veered away from Google and used OpenStreetMap instead.

For the full story, see this link.

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Alyssa Banks

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