Online mapping websites come next to social networking websites when we talk about popularity and usability. An online mapping service is a utility that provides detailed graphical information in the form of maps. People use such websites to plan their trips, to find a certain location, landmarks, addresses, and more.
While there are a lot of map services currently running on the web, but not all of them are trustworthy and user-friendly. Some of them fail to provide accurate maps and directions and some of them are too clumsy to understand. Today I will be listing some best free online mapping services which are absolutely reliable when it is about finding an address or planning your trip.
Free Online Map Services
Here is the list of free online map services you can use for free:
- Bing Maps
- Google Maps
- Here Maps
- OpenStreetMap
Make sure to try each of them to find out what works best for you.
1] Bing Maps
Bing Maps provides a feature-rich mapping service and helps users to get detailed information about any location, localized driving, or exact walking directions using familiar landmarks. Bing Maps also comes with a feature to zoom into the map to get the exact location. Furthermore, it also lets users check the traffic flow in a particular area and avoid traffic jams. The mapping service uses multiple geocoders and provides comprehensive information about a location.
2] Google Maps
Google Maps is one of the most commonly used online mapping services worldwide. It provides desktop as well as mobile web mapping service which includes street view maps, satellite imagery, route planner, and directions for public transport, own vehicle, or even for those traveling on foot. Google keeps updating its database to give accurate information to the users. While Google provides high-resolution pictures for the urban areas of the world but the less popular areas are not so clear. The feature which makes Google Maps the most popular mapping application is that it gives accurate driving directions along with small details like one-way streets, turning lanes, and parking slots. It is the world’s most popular app for smartphones and works on Android and iOS platforms. Take a look at this Google Maps Tips and Tricks post.
3] HERE Maps
HERE is a navigation service that works on a cloud computing model and stores all its location and mapping data on remote servers allowing the users to access the maps from any device. With HERE you can get information like turn-by-turn navigation, popular landmarks, traffic patterns, societies, parks, etc. The features like offline availability, voice-guided navigation for personal as well as public transportation, visual and audio speed limit warnings, and 3D landmarks are what make it one of the best free online mapping services. It supports the most common platforms like Windows, Android, and iOS.
4] OpenStreetMap
Unlike the other popular online mapping services, the mapping data in OpenStreetMap is collected by professionals doing systematic ground surveys with the mapping tools like GPS, a voice recorder, and a digital camera, etc. The data is manually entered into the database of OpenStreetMap. It provides navigation using static images, map tiles, and other data collected by the ground surveys. It also specifies the postcode data, transport routes, buildings, areas, and other important data. The features like OpenCycleMap and ÖPNVKarte helps users get the navigation for bicycles and public transport respectively.
Let us know which one you prefer.
Is there a live satellite view in Maps?
Most of the mapping services offer satellite views but they are not live, and instead differ by year and sometimes months. It depends on how often they are updated, and there is an intervention from the government to safeguard sensitive areas.
Can I see my house on Google Earth?
You should be able to see your house using any map which offers a satellite view, but it will not be recent. Some countries allow Street View, and if that’s the case with your country, then you should be able to see the outside view of your house and the surrounding areas.
