localthings as an alternative to Felt
Felt is a collaborative cloud GIS for spatial data, analysis, dashboards and map-based apps. It also publishes polished public maps and branded embeds. localthings is the narrower product for a repeatable public directory of locations rather than a general spatial workspace.
- Choose Felt for broad geospatial formats, spatial analysis, dashboards, APIs, data connections and real-time team collaboration.
- Felt also supports public sharing, filters, rich pop-ups and branded website embeds; those are not exclusive localthings features.
- Choose localthings for a fixed map-and-list directory with categories and structured location cards, without the scope of a cloud GIS.
- localthings publishes a permanent link on Free and embeds from Basic. Felt lists iframe embeds and branded embed controls under Enterprise.
localthings vs. Felt
A factual comparison on the points that matter to most people.
| Feature | localthings | Felt |
|---|---|---|
| No code required | ||
| Public sharing by link | ||
| Website embed | From Basic | On Enterprise |
| Styling, filters and rich pop-ups | ||
| Map plus opinionated directory list | Built through maps, tables and apps | |
| CSV and spreadsheet address import | ||
| Geospatial layers (GeoJSON, shapefile, raster) | ||
| Team collaboration and commenting | ||
| Dashboards, spatial analysis, API and SDK | ||
| Dedicated custom map domain | On Premium | Not documented |
When Felt is the right call
Choose Felt when you work with shapefiles, GeoJSON, rasters or connected data sources and need analysis, dashboards, apps, APIs or simultaneous team editing. Felt can then share the resulting map publicly or embed it through its Enterprise plan.
When localthings fits better
Choose localthings when the deliverable is a branded directory of places with a consistent map and list, categories and structured location fields. It is a focused publishing workflow, not a GIS analysis or collaboration environment.
Build this yourself in Studio
Studio opens straight in your browser. You only need an account once you want to save or publish your map.
Frequently asked questions
Can localthings read shapefiles or GeoJSON?
Not as analysis layers. Locations import from CSV or JSON, or you paste rows from Excel; areas are drawn in the builder. If your work starts from geospatial file formats, a GIS tool is the better starting point.
Can I embed a localthings map like a Felt map?
Yes, from Basic with one embed snippet that works in any CMS. An embed without localthings branding is Custom.
Which one is cheaper for a single public map?
The products package different scopes, so compare the current plans directly. localthings publishes a permanent link on Free and embeds from Basic. Felt's pricing page separates personal, professional and enterprise use, and its help centre lists iframe embeds under Enterprise.
Can several people work on the same map?
A map belongs to one account today; live multi-user collaboration is not a localthings feature. If simultaneous editing matters, that is a point for Felt.