MapTools
deck.gl
vs
Google Maps Platform

deck.gl: GPU-powered visualization of large geospatial datasets. Google Maps Platform: Google's maps, places, routes and 3D tiles APIs.

deck.glGoogle Maps Platform
CategoryMap Libraries & SDKsBasemaps & Map Tiles
Pricing modelOpen sourcePaid
Starts atFreeSee website
Free tier—Monthly free usage per API (see current pricing)
Open sourceYesNo
Software licenceMIT—
API—Yes
PlatformsJavaScript, PythonWeb, JavaScript, iOS, Android, API
Made by—Google
Commercial useAllowedPaid plan
Export / print imagesAllowedNot allowed
Offline / cachingAllowedNot allowed
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deck.gl features

  • Layers for points, arcs, hexagons, heatmaps, trips
  • Handles millions of features
  • Works with MapLibre, Mapbox, Google Maps
  • Python binding (pydeck)
deck.gl alternatives

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 alternatives

Summary based on public information. Check each provider's current pricing and terms.