OpenStreetMaps is an organization that utilizes collective input to compile a mega resource of mapping data. This data is then provided free (as in free speech) to the community under creative commons licensing.

Map detail throughout

the world (red = more

complex maps)

The overriding goal of the project is to map the entire world with data provided by people who take to the streets, trails and back roads equipped with a gps device, or simply a pencil and paper. This low cost, bottom-up approach will lead to increasingly nuanced global geo data set.

Map showing parts

of London that have

been updated in the

last year (from OSM

Mapper)

OSM was founded in 2004 with a fairly large blank canvas: the globe.

As of September 2009 they now have enlisted over 140,000 users. Though there is still much further to go, a quick look around the world map on OSM’s home page reveals how much data has been collected within the past 6 years.

screenshot from osm

home page.

WHY

The most common question heard in response to their mission is “why not just use google maps.” As we have learned over the past few weeks, the distinction is that with google we are given “free beer.” You can only use their interface and their system. You cannot fix mistakes, and you cannot contribute new data.

Also, goggle is licensing their data from the dominant geo data companies like tele atlas and navteq. These companies levy heavy fees for narrowly defined licenses in order to maximize market share, which creates a buffer against potential grass roots initiatives.

The flexibility of OSM’s open source approach makes it an ideal option for applications that are based on geographical data. If you have an iPhone and you like mapping apps, chances are you will have an app that utilizes data from OSM. A few examples are OpenCycleMap and OpenMaps and Roadee.

a few images from

Roadee

And in the same way wikipedia produces better quality encyclopedic reference through peer review and editing, open source geo data makes more reliable and user specific maps. When someone takes the initiative to go out with their gps device they are typically going to be extra careful to add the local nuances to their mapping efforts. Cycle maps, for example, could include info on bike shop locations, bike parking, (un)official bike routes, and even degree incline of streets.

The cycle map-now

has hill-shading

HOW

For content users there are two ways to utilize this amazing resource. For one, you can simply use the available interfaces

running with OSM data. Visit their homepage and simply start browsing. Clicking around you will see that the interface relates to

most other map browsers.

There are tutorials available on their wiki page that explain how to go deeper and actually begin contributing to the map data. It

seems easiest to use a gps device, which are fairly inexpensive these days. But if you desire, you can go old school recording

data with pencil and paper.

The most empowering aspect of this collective resource is that up-to-the-minute data sets can be accessed by anyone for

almost any use. Maybe someone has a new idea for developing interface, or a complex geo info graphic, or needs mapping data

to enhance an emergency humanitarian effort. All of this is made possible with OSM’s flexibly licensed geo data along side their

use of development friendly open sourced code.

Nothing left to map?

Try underground

pipelines, deduced

from manholes, wall

markers and open pit

construction work.

INSPIRING EXAMPLES

The recent earthquakes in Haiti and Chile elicited an immediate response from the OSM community of developer. Using low cost measures they were able to offer a few different platforms for people on the ground there to access vital data update by the day.

Example zoomed in

area of http://haiti.

openstreetmap.nl/

The Haiti custom

rendering set up

by User:Ldp which

shows damaged

buildings and refugee

camps mapped within

OpenStreetMap using

specialv

Of interest to me is OpenStreetView which is trying to map with open sourced street level photography. Seem like they have a ways to go, but I find the possibility of mapping my immediate area quite interesting.

OpenstreetView

homepage