Frequently Asked Questions

About MapAtlas

MapAtlas is a European mapping platform providing APIs for maps, geocoding, routing, and places. Powered by continuously updated map data and real-time contributions from our global MapMetrics community, MapAtlas offers a cost-effective, GDPR-compliant alternative to Google Maps Platform and other major mapping providers. Our European infrastructure ensures data sovereignty and privacy compliance for businesses worldwide.

MapAtlas is the technical mapping infrastructure and API platform, while MapMetrics is the community layer. MapMetrics users contribute real-time map data, road conditions, and points of interest through their daily navigation. This crowdsourced approach ensures maps are constantly updated with the freshest information, giving MapAtlas an advantage over static commercial datasets.

MapAtlas is a Dutch company with European infrastructure. All data processing and storage happens within Europe, making us fully GDPR-compliant by design. This ensures data sovereignty and meets privacy requirements for businesses serving customers anywhere in the world.

Google Maps Platform Alternative

Yes. MapAtlas provides comparable functionality to Google Maps Platform including vector tile maps, geocoding, routing, and places APIs. Key advantages over Google Maps include 75% cost savings, European data hosting, GDPR compliance, and more flexible terms of service. Many businesses switch to MapAtlas specifically because Google Maps Platform pricing increased significantly in 2018 and continues to be expensive for high-volume usage.

MapAtlas competes with providers like Mapbox, HERE, TomTom, MapTiler, Apple maps, and Azure Maps. Key differentiators include: European ownership and infrastructure (unlike US-based Mapbox, Google, Apple, Azure), community-updated maps through MapMetrics for fresher data, more competitive pricing than most alternatives, hands-on developer support from a smaller, dedicated team, and no vendor lock-in with open-source compatible map libraries.

Common reasons businesses switch from Google Maps Platform include: Cost: Google Maps API pricing increased dramatically in 2018 and remains expensive, Data privacy: Concerns about sharing user data with Google, GDPR compliance: Need for European data processing, Customization: Desire for more control over map styling and features, Terms of service: Google's restrictive terms prevent using their geocoding with non-Google maps, Vendor lock-in: Preference for open-source compatible solutions.

Pricing and Cost Savings

MapAtlas typically offers 75% cost savings compared to Google Maps Platform. The exact savings depend on your usage patterns and which APIs you need. We offer flexible pricing plans suitable for startups through enterprise customers. Contact us for a personalized quote based on your expected usage.

Yes, MapAtlas offers a free tier for developers to test and build with our APIs. This includes a generous allowance of map tile requests, geocoding calls, and routing requests. The free tier is ideal for development, prototyping, and low-traffic applications.

MapAtlas uses a usage-based pricing model similar to other mapping platforms. You pay for what you use, with volume discounts available for high-usage customers. We also offer enterprise plans with custom pricing, SLAs, and dedicated support.

GDPR Compliance and Data Privacy

Yes. MapAtlas is fully GDPR compliant. As a European company with all infrastructure in Europe, we process and store data according to EU regulations. Unlike US-based providers subject to laws like the CLOUD Act, MapAtlas keeps your data within European jurisdiction.

MapAtlas collects minimal data necessary to provide mapping services. We do not track individual users or sell data to third parties. Our privacy-first approach means we collect only what is needed to improve map quality and service reliability.

European mapping providers offer several advantages for businesses concerned about data sovereignty: GDPR compliance by design, not as an afterthought, data stays within EU jurisdiction, not subject to US laws like CLOUD Act or FISA, easier compliance audits for regulated industries, and support for EU digital sovereignty initiatives.

APIs and Features

MapAtlas provides a comprehensive suite of mapping APIs: Maps API: Vector tiles for interactive maps on web and mobile, Geocoding API: Convert addresses to coordinates (forward geocoding) and coordinates to addresses (reverse geocoding), Autocomplete API: Real-time address suggestions as users type, Routing API: Calculate routes for driving, walking, and cycling, Static Maps API: Generate map images for emails and reports, Places API: Search for points of interest, businesses, and landmarks.

MapAtlas supports all major platforms and map libraries: JavaScript: Leaflet, MapLibre GL JS, OpenLayers, Mobile: Android SDK, iOS SDK, Flutter, React Native, REST APIs for any programming language, Vector tiles compatible with any GL-based renderer.

Yes. MapAtlas provides a visual Studio interface for customizing map styles. You can change colors, fonts, icons, and the visibility of map features to match your brand. Custom styles can be created and managed through the MapMetrics Portal at portal.mapmetrics.org.

Integration and Migration

Migration is straightforward for most applications. MapAtlas uses standard vector tile formats and RESTful APIs compatible with popular mapping libraries. If you are using Leaflet, MapLibre, or OpenLayers, switching typically involves changing the tile URL and API key. Our team provides migration support to help you transition smoothly.

Getting started is simple: Sign up at portal.mapmetrics.org, Generate your API key in the dashboard, Follow our documentation at docs.mapatlas.xyz.

Yes, migrating from Google Maps or Mapbox to our SDK is fast and straightforward. With our migration guide, you can complete the switch in just 5 to 10 minutes. We've designed our SDK to be API-compatible and developer-friendly, making the transition smooth with minimal code changes.

Data Coverage and Quality

MapAtlas uses OpenStreetMap as its base data source, enhanced with community contributions from MapMetrics users. OpenStreetMap is the world's largest collaborative mapping project with millions of contributors globally. The MapMetrics community adds real-time updates including road conditions, new points of interest, and corrections.

MapAtlas provides global coverage with particularly strong data quality in Europe. Our community-driven approach ensures maps are constantly updated, especially in areas with active MapMetrics users. Coverage includes detailed street-level data, points of interest, building footprints, and more.

Map data is updated continuously. Unlike traditional mapping providers that update on scheduled intervals, MapAtlas benefits from real-time contributions from the MapMetrics community. Road changes, new businesses, and corrections are reflected quickly after they are reported and verified.

Industries and Use Cases

MapAtlas serves businesses across many sectors including: Mobility and transportation: Ride-sharing, fleet management, logistics, Real estate: Property listings, site selection, market analysis, Parking: Parking apps, garage management, availability tracking, Travel and tourism: Trip planning, destination guides, booking platforms, E-commerce: Delivery tracking, store locators, address verification, Shared vehicles: Scooter sharing, bike sharing, car sharing.

Yes. MapAtlas infrastructure is designed to scale with your needs. We support everything from small startups to enterprise applications with millions of users. Our vector tile architecture ensures fast load times and efficient bandwidth usage even under heavy traffic.

Support and Documentation

MapAtlas provides hands-on developer support. Unlike larger providers where you get lost in a ticket queue, our team works directly with customers to solve integration challenges and optimize usage. Enterprise customers get dedicated support with priority response times.

Full API documentation is available at docs.mapatlas.xyz. This includes getting started guides, API references, code examples, and tutorials for all supported platforms. The MapMetrics Portal at portal.mapmetrics.org provides tools for managing API keys and customizing map styles.

You can reach us through our website at mapatlas.eu or the MapMetrics portal. We offer consultations to discuss your mapping needs and provide personalized recommendations based on your use case and expected usage volume.