MapTools
OpenStreetMap
vs
US Census TIGER/Line

OpenStreetMap: The free, editable map of the world built by volunteers. US Census TIGER/Line: Official US boundaries, roads and census geography.

OpenStreetMapUS Census TIGER/Line
CategoryBasemaps & Map TilesOpen Geodata Sources
Pricing modelFreeFree
Starts atFreeFree
Free tier——
Open sourceYesNo
Software licenceODbL (data)—
API——
PlatformsWeb, Data downloadData download
Made byOpenStreetMap FoundationUS Census Bureau
Commercial useAllowedAllowed
Export / print imagesAllowedAllowed
Offline / cachingAllowedCheck terms
Visits from MapTools101
Visit Visit

OpenStreetMap features

  • Global map data under ODbL
  • Editable by anyone
  • Data extracts and full planet downloads
  • Foundation for most open map services

Data is licensed under ODbL: free to use, including commercially, with attribution. Produced works such as map images can carry any licence; derivative databases must stay under ODbL. The standard tile server at tile.openstreetmap.org follows a strict usage policy and must not be used for heavy traffic or bulk downloading.

OpenStreetMap alternatives

US Census TIGER/Line features

  • Census geographies
  • Roads and water
  • Annual releases
US Census TIGER/Line alternatives

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