Real-time data is a very important element for increasing the comfort and productivity of the transportation system in cities. At Kraftors Web Solutions, we recently tackled a significant challenge: offering a reliable and cheap solution of mapping for the application under discussion – the E Bus Kanpur. The solution? Substituting OpenStreetMap with some of the commercial tracing solutions like Google Maps.
Why We Chose OpenStreetMap
The decision on which mapping service to use is vital for an application such as E Bus Kanpur, which has to locate buses as they travel on the road and provide the correct information on their locations to the users. Google Maps is a well-known example; however, a commercial API for Google Maps may be expensive for applications with a great number of users. But OpenStreetMap was presenting itself as a powerful, flexible, and, most important, free
Key Benefits of OpenStreetMap in Our Project
Cost Efficiency: We slashed mapping costs by over 80% by opting for OpenStreetMap. This allowed us to keep the project within budget while providing high-quality service.
Real-Time Tracking: OpenStreetMap’s flexibility enabled us to build an advanced tracking module that updates bus locations in real time, ensuring commuters have accurate, up-to-date information.
Customizability: Unlike commercial services, OpenStreetMap allowed us to customize the maps to better reflect Kanpur’s unique urban environment, providing a more relevant experience for users.
A Comparison with Other Mapping Services
In today’s evolving tech landscape, several mapping services are available, each with its own strengths:
Ola Maps: A newer player with promising features, but still developing and may not yet offer the level of customization we achieved with OpenStreetMap.
Google Maps: While comprehensive and feature-rich, it comes at a high cost that isn’t always justified for public transit apps with budget constraints.
MapmyIndia: A strong option for Indian geographies, but similar to Google Maps, it involves costs that may not fit all project budgets.
Why OpenStreetMap Stands Out
OpenStreetMap is more than just a free alternative; it’s a platform that allows for deep customization and community-driven updates. For a project like E Bus Kanpur, this means we could tailor the map data specifically for local users, ensuring a more accurate and helpful service.
Final Thoughts
At Kraftors Web Solutions, we are committed to delivering innovative and cost-effective solutions. The success of our OpenStreetMap integration in the E Bus Kanpur app showcases how open-source tools can provide top-tier functionality without breaking the bank. As we look to the future, we’re excited to continue exploring how OpenStreetMap and similar technologies can enhance urban transit and other public services.
For more information on how you can benefit from our mapping solutions, please contact us at ai@thekraftors.com.
