OpenStreetMap

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OpenStreetMap

OpenStreetMap (OSM) is a collaborative project that creates a free, editable map of the world. It is often referred to as the "Wikipedia of maps" due to its open-source nature and the fact that it is built by a community of mappers who contribute and maintain data about roads, trails, cafés, railway stations, and much more, all over the globe.

History

OpenStreetMap was founded in July 2004 by Steve Coast in the United Kingdom. The project was inspired by the success of Wikipedia and the need for free geographic data in the UK and elsewhere. At the time, most maps were proprietary and expensive to use. The project gained momentum as GPS devices became more affordable and widely used, allowing volunteers to collect data and upload it to the OSM database.

Data Collection

OpenStreetMap data is collected from a variety of sources, including:

• GPS Devices: Volunteers use GPS devices to record tracks and waypoints, which are then uploaded to the OSM database.
• Aerial Imagery: Contributors trace features from aerial imagery provided by various sources, such as Bing Maps and Mapbox.
• Local Knowledge: Mappers use their local knowledge to add details that are not visible from aerial imagery, such as street names, building uses, and other points of interest.
• Government and Commercial Data: Some governments and organizations release data under licenses compatible with OSM, which can then be imported into the map.

Editing Tools

There are several tools available for editing OpenStreetMap data:

• iD Editor: A simple, web-based editor that is suitable for beginners.
• JOSM (Java OpenStreetMap Editor): A more advanced desktop application that offers a wide range of features for experienced mappers.
• Potlatch: An older Flash-based editor that is still used by some contributors.

Licensing

OpenStreetMap data is available under the Open Database License (ODbL). This license allows anyone to use, modify, and distribute the data as long as they attribute OpenStreetMap and its contributors, and share any derivative databases under the same license.

Applications

OpenStreetMap data is used in a wide variety of applications, including:

• Navigation: Many navigation apps and devices use OSM data for routing and directions.
• Humanitarian Efforts: Organizations like the Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (HOT) use OSM data for disaster response and preparedness.
• Research: Researchers use OSM data for geographic and urban studies.
• Commercial Use: Companies use OSM data for location-based services and applications.

Community

The OpenStreetMap community is diverse and global, consisting of individual mappers, local chapters, and organizations. The community organizes events such as mapping parties, conferences, and workshops to promote the project and improve the map.

Challenges

OpenStreetMap faces several challenges, including:

• Data Quality: Ensuring the accuracy and completeness of the data is an ongoing effort.
• Vandalism: Like any open project, OSM is susceptible to vandalism, though there are mechanisms in place to detect and revert malicious edits.
• Licensing Issues: Ensuring that all data complies with the ODbL and that contributors understand the licensing terms.

Also see

• Geographic Information System
• Crowdsourcing
• Open data
• Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team