OpenStreetMap - Now YOU can take control of the maps

Darren

We've posted about OpenStreetMap (OSM) a number of times over the years but it wasn't until recently that I realised just how much the map data had improved.

Browsing the OSM map via a GPS app on my iPhone I was amazed at how good it is with many large urban areas comprehensively covered. Take a look for yourself at OpenStreetMap.

Of course the first thing we all do is check our local area. Browsing my local streets I noticed many of the side roads were missing or lacking road-names and so I thought I'd add them.

OSM is an open source GPS map created by users from GPS tracks and traces. YOU can edit the map, correct errors, add new roads etc and its surprisingly easy once you have had a practice.

With my data-logger charged I set off to drive all the local side streets to capture their GPS tracks. Then all that needs to be done is for the tracks to be uploaded to OSM in .gpx format. Using one of the editor applications (there are many available, I used the web based Potlatch) you can view your uploaded 'traces' on the master map which allows you to add and precisely position your missing streets. Once done you can easily categorise the road and add its name.

I added seven new streets last night and they are now available on the master map. It gives you an enormous sense of pleasure to see your edits appear, no more waiting for TeleAtlas or Navteq to correct a map or add a new road.

Of course, at the moment the OSm map is not navigable or usable in turn by turn applications but it won't be long before it could be. if we all added a road or two we could get the UK comprehensively mapped very quickly.

So come on, what are you waiting for! http://www.openstreetmap.org/.
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Darren Griffin

Eddiejen · Occasional Visitor Joined: Jul 02, 2006 Posts: 33

I think this project is underestimated. I agree,

if everybody who accesses pocketworld did a bit of logging and filled in the gaps it would rival the main map providers.

Once routable applications arrive the map data could be freely used.

Should pocketgpsworld have a dedicated forum and promote openstreetmap land organise logging get togethers or partys ?

Eddiejen · Occasional Visitor Joined: Jul 02, 2006 Posts: 33

Sorry! I didn't see the other posts !!!

scarymonkey · Posted: Wed Mar 11, 2009 1:48 pm Post subject:

I had planned to map most of my town a month or so back, until I realised that it had been done not long before in an organised mapping event.

I have removed a couple of now incorrect point of interest tags though since things have changed with that since the mapping was done - just to rpove mapping is a continual cycle.

carl_w · Lifetime Member Joined: Mar 13, 2004 Posts: 242

As long as this doesn't go the same way as Gracenote (and some would say PGPSW SCDB Wink

) by getting the poor mugs of the public to do the leg work, then later packaging the whole thing up as a commercial offering.

jpcarreiro · Occasional Visitor Joined: Dec 28, 2006 Posts: 2

If you have a Garmin you can download ( or create) routable maps from OSM data

http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/OSM_Map_On_Garmin/Download

They are far from perfect, but you could allways improve the data and make them better Smile

Darren · Posted: Wed Mar 11, 2009 3:41 pm Post subject:

GerryC · Posted: Wed Mar 11, 2009 4:57 pm Post subject:

WHAT? My local isn't shown - better fix that!

Also, I'm going to get weird looks walking around near my parents as none of the small roads are shown. I'll be good and label the roads correctly as well - something TeleAtlas haven't managed to do. Wink

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carl_w · Lifetime Member Joined: Mar 13, 2004 Posts: 242

Darren · Posted: Wed Mar 11, 2009 6:24 pm Post subject:

Eddiejen · Occasional Visitor Joined: Jul 02, 2006 Posts: 33

having read the link I see they are trying to protect contributors to the project and prevent abuse by others using the information. It was well worth reading!

One other project to support is the free the postcode at http://www.freethepostcode.org/

The projects seem to be closely related in helping to free up geographical data and in my opinion will only help to allow the development of postcode lookup navigation for openstreetmap maps.

MaFt · Posted: Thu Mar 12, 2009 5:54 pm Post subject:

i got a call from a friend the other day who lives on a cul-de-sac... asking me why i drove up his road then reversed back out again!!

thankfully he's heard of open street map!! i've got a lot of work to do for my area... still, i'll get there!

had some on the master map already and yes, it's rather satisfying!

MaFt

jkljkl6 · Posted: Fri Mar 13, 2009 10:06 am Post subject:

Slightly off topic but what was the app you were using on your iPhone?

Darren · Posted: Fri Mar 13, 2009 10:13 am Post subject:

plegilink · Occasional Visitor Joined: Aug 14, 2006 Posts: 6

What iphone app were you using for this?
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