CesiumJS: Open-source 3D globe and 3D Tiles rendering in the browser. Google Maps Platform: Google's maps, places, routes and 3D tiles APIs.
| CesiumJS | Google Maps Platform | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Map Libraries & SDKs | Basemaps & Map Tiles |
| Pricing model | Open source | Paid |
| Starts at | Free | See website |
| Free tier | — | Monthly free usage per API (see current pricing) |
| Open source | Yes | No |
| Software licence | Apache-2.0 | — |
| API | — | Yes |
| Platforms | JavaScript | Web, JavaScript, iOS, Android, API |
| Made by | — | |
| Commercial use | Allowed | Paid plan |
| Export / print images | Allowed | Not allowed |
| Offline / caching | Check terms | Not allowed |
| Visits from MapTools | 4 | 7 |
| Visit | Visit |
CesiumJS features
- 3D globe with terrain
- 3D Tiles streaming
- Time-dynamic data
- Works with Cesium ion
Google Maps Platform features
- Maps JavaScript API and mobile SDKs
- Places, Geocoding and Routes APIs
- Photorealistic 3D Tiles
- Map styling
- Street View
Paying for the API grants online display rights, not download rights. Content may not be pre-fetched, stored or cached except where the terms allow, and offline use is prohibited. Place IDs may be stored. Google Maps content must not be shown on a non-Google map.
Google Maps Platform alternativesSummary based on public information. Check each provider's current pricing and terms.