Softwr

Maps · head to head

GRASS GIS vs MapQuest

GRASS GIS logo

GRASS GIS

Maps

Long-running open source geospatial analysis engine for raster, vector and terrain processing

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
MapQuest logo

MapQuest

Maps

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

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only GRASS GIS has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: GRASS GIS the location and mapset data model requires importing data into a structured database with a fixed coordinate system before analysis, which is a real barrier for anyone used to opening files directly.; 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: GRASS GIS covers Raster analysis, MapQuest covers Core Functionality.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 1 September 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which GRASS GIS and MapQuest actually diverge.

Attributes where GRASS GIS and MapQuest differ
AttributeGRASS GISMapQuest
Starting priceFreeOn request
Pricing modelOpen source, no licence feefreemium
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsLinux, Windows, macOSWeb

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Maps).

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 GRASS GIS

  • Raster analysis
  • Hydrological modelling
  • Terrain analysis
  • Vector topology
  • Temporal framework
  • Image processing
  • Python API
  • QGIS integration

Only in MapQuest

  • Core Functionality
  • User Interface

What people use each for

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

GRASS GIS

  • A hydrologist delineating watersheds and modelling flow accumulation over a large digital elevation modelnot MapQuest
  • A research group building a reproducible time series analysis of satellite imagery that must be rerunnable years laternot MapQuest
  • An environmental agency running viewshed and solar radiation analysis for planning assessments without buying commercial GIS seatsnot MapQuest
  • A QGIS user who needs a specific processing algorithm that only exists in the GRASS toolboxnot MapQuest

MapQuest

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

Where each one falls short

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

GRASS GIS

  • The location and mapset data model requires importing data into a structured database with a fixed coordinate system before analysis, which is a real barrier for anyone used to opening files directly.
  • The native graphical interface is dated and inconsistent compared with QGIS or ArcGIS, so most users end up running GRASS through QGIS and never learn the tool they are actually depending on.
  • There is no vendor, so contractual support, service levels and liability do not exist by default and must be arranged with an independent consultancy that may not cover your jurisdiction.
  • Cartographic output and map layout are weak relative to the analysis capability, meaning a second tool is always needed to produce a publishable map.
  • Module naming and argument conventions are idiosyncratic and long-standing, so scripts are durable but the learning curve is steep and transferable skills from other GIS packages help less than expected.

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

GRASS GIS

Free
  • GRASS GISFree
    • GNU GPL licence
    • All modules included
    • No user or seat limits

MapQuest

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the MapQuest review.

Which should you pick?

Choose GRASS GIS if

  • You need raster analysis.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Linux, Windows, macOS.
  • You also want hydrological modelling.
GRASS GIS review

Choose MapQuest if

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

Questions people ask

Is GRASS GIS or MapQuest better?
Neither clearly leads. GRASS GIS starts at Free and MapQuest at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, GRASS GIS or MapQuest?
GRASS GIS has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for GRASS GIS and On request for MapQuest.
Does GRASS GIS or MapQuest run on more platforms?
GRASS GIS runs on Linux, Windows, macOS. MapQuest runs on Web.
Can I use GRASS GIS for free?
Yes. GRASS GIS has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. MapQuest starts at On request.
What is GRASS GIS best used for?
GRASS GIS is most often used for a hydrologist delineating watersheds and modelling flow accumulation over a large digital elevation model, a research group building a reproducible time series analysis of satellite imagery that must be rerunnable years later, an environmental agency running viewshed and solar radiation analysis for planning assessments without buying commercial gis seats, a qgis user who needs a specific processing algorithm that only exists in the grass toolbox. Of those, a hydrologist delineating watersheds and modelling flow accumulation over a large digital elevation model and a research group building a reproducible time series analysis of satellite imagery that must be rerunnable years later are not what MapQuest is typically brought in for.
What can GRASS GIS do that MapQuest cannot?
GRASS GIS covers Raster analysis, Hydrological modelling, Terrain analysis, Vector topology. MapQuest covers Core Functionality, User Interface.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

GRASS GIS: Who maintains GRASS GIS?

An international volunteer and academic developer community under the Open Source Geospatial Foundation. It originated at the US Army Construction Engineering Research Laboratory in 1982.

MapQuest: What is the cheapest way to use MapQuest APIs?

The MapQuestGO plan offers 50,000 free transactions for a limited time, then charges $0.0045 per transaction. Monthly subscription plans start at $119/month for 30,000 transactions.

Source
GRASS GIS: Can I buy commercial support?

Not from a vendor. Independent consultancies in the OSGeo ecosystem offer paid support and development, and availability varies by region.

MapQuest: Can I cache or store geocoding results on a monthly MapQuest plan?

No. Storing or caching geocodes is not allowed on monthly plans. Only Enterprise accounts can store geocodes off-map with the Extended Rights Geocoding feature.

Source
GRASS GIS: Do I need to use its interface?

No. Most people run GRASS algorithms through the QGIS processing toolbox or from Python.

MapQuest: What happens if I exceed my MapQuest monthly transaction limit?

The MapQuest pricing page does not specify overage charges. Users can modify their plan selection from their account dashboard at any time to scale up.

Source
GRASS GIS: Is it suitable for production use?

Yes for analysis pipelines, and it is used by agencies and research institutions. Plan for community support rather than a service level agreement.

MapQuest: Can I change my MapQuest plan mid-cycle?

Yes. Users can modify their plan selection from their account dashboard at any time, making it easy to scale as needs evolve.

Source
Share

Related pages

More on GRASS GIS

More on MapQuest

Keep looking

Other head to heads