OpenStreetMap
FreeThe free, editable map of the world built by millions of contributors — the open-data foundation behind countless apps, with browsable maps and community editing tools on the site itself.
Why we recommend OpenStreetMap
OpenStreetMap is the Wikipedia of maps, and like Wikipedia it quietly runs a large part of the internet: Apple Maps, Strava, Komoot, humanitarian response teams and thousands of apps build on its open data. In many regions — trails, footpaths, informal settlements, fast-changing cities — OSM's volunteer mappers outperform commercial providers because the people mapping actually live there. The data license guarantees it can never be enclosed.
Best use cases
Best for: hiking and cycling detail that Google Maps ignores (path surfaces, gates, water points), building any product that needs map data without per-tile pricing, humanitarian mapping after disasters through the HOT community, and fixing your own neighborhood when the map is wrong — edits go live in minutes.
Honest limitations
The website itself is a data browser, not a polished navigation product — no live traffic, thin business info (hours, reviews), and routing is basic; consumer-grade experiences come from apps built on OSM instead. Data quality varies with local community activity. Address search (geocoding) trails commercial rivals in many countries.
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