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Software · head to head

Esri ArcGIS vs MapQuest

Esri ArcGIS logo

Esri ArcGIS

Software

Geographic Information System Platform

From
On request
Rated
-
M

MapQuest

Software

Free driving directions, live traffic updates, and road conditions for trip planning and navigation

From
On request
Rated
-

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Esri ArcGIS arcGIS Online is cloud-based only; self-hosted deployment requires separate ArcGIS Enterprise licence; MapQuest subscription tiers cost more per transaction than the pay as you go rate at low volume, since $119 a month for 30,000 transactions is roughly $0.004 each against $0.0045 on demand
  • They diverge on capability: Esri ArcGIS covers Mapping & Visualization, MapQuest covers Core Functionality.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Esri ArcGIS and MapQuest actually diverge.

Attributes where Esri ArcGIS and MapQuest differ
AttributeEsri ArcGISMapQuest
Pricing modelquotefreemium
PlatformsWeb, Mobile (field apps), DesktopWeb
Founded1969Unknown

Identical on both: starting price (On request), free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Esri ArcGIS

  • Mapping & Visualization
  • Spatial Analysis
  • Data Management
  • Field Operations
  • Real-time Analytics
  • AutoCAD
  • SAP
  • Microsoft Office

Only in MapQuest

  • Core Functionality
  • User Interface

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Esri ArcGIS

  • Geospatial mapping and spatial analysisnot MapQuest
  • Enterprise data governance and managementnot MapQuest
  • Real-time field data collectionnot MapQuest
  • AI-assisted geospatial analysisnot MapQuest

MapQuest

  • Geocoding, routing and static maps over an APInot Esri ArcGIS
  • Adding directions and place search to an applicationnot Esri ArcGIS

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Esri ArcGIS

  • ArcGIS Online is cloud-based only; self-hosted deployment requires separate ArcGIS Enterprise licence
  • Field and offline workflows require advanced capabilities; basic plans may lack offline synchronisation
  • Pricing details not published; customers must contact sales for quotes

MapQuest

  • Subscription tiers cost more per transaction than the pay as you go rate at low volume, since $119 a month for 30,000 transactions is roughly $0.004 each against $0.0045 on demand
  • The 50,000 free pay as you go transactions are described as available for a limited time rather than as a standing allowance
  • Plan allowances are monthly and do not carry over
  • Enterprise volume is custom priced

Pricing, plan by plan

Esri ArcGIS

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the Esri ArcGIS review.

MapQuest

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the MapQuest review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Esri ArcGIS if

  • You need mapping & visualization.
  • You work on Web, Mobile (field apps), Desktop.
  • You also want spatial analysis.

Choose MapQuest if

  • You need core functionality.
  • You also want user interface.

Questions people ask

Is Esri ArcGIS or MapQuest better?
Neither clearly leads. Esri ArcGIS starts at On request and MapQuest at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Esri ArcGIS or MapQuest?
Esri ArcGIS starts at On request and MapQuest at On request.
Does Esri ArcGIS or MapQuest run on more platforms?
Esri ArcGIS runs on Web, Mobile (field apps), Desktop. MapQuest runs on Web.
What is Esri ArcGIS best used for?
Esri ArcGIS is most often used for geospatial mapping and spatial analysis, enterprise data governance and management, real-time field data collection, ai-assisted geospatial analysis. Of those, geospatial mapping and spatial analysis and enterprise data governance and management are not what MapQuest is typically brought in for.
What can Esri ArcGIS do that MapQuest cannot?
Esri ArcGIS covers Mapping & Visualization, Spatial Analysis, Data Management, Field Operations. MapQuest covers Core Functionality, User Interface.

Related pages

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