this post was submitted on 13 Sep 2023
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OpenStreetMap (OSM) is an open-source (open data) project. OpenStreetMap is a collaborative mapping platform that allows users from around the world to contribute, edit, and use geographical data. The data and software behind OSM are open-source, which means they are freely available for anyone to view, use, modify, and distribute under open licenses.
The data contributed to OpenStreetMap islicensed under the Open Database License (ODbL). This license allows for the free use of the data as long as proper attribution is given and any derivative works are also made available under the same open license.
I got addicted to using and contributing on OSM daily and enjoy spending my time improving the map. In fact a lot of closed source maps such as Google Maps and Apple Maps pull from some of the OSM data, so everyone gets to benefit from contributions.
In case you're looking into this out of curiosity, check out the Beginner's Guide and try to verify that the data around your neighborhood is correct and maybe add a point of interest (PoI) or a street name or two. Beware, it gets addictive quite fast.
OSM is also used for humanitarian use thanks to the HOT tasking platform. For example the majority of relief effort in Turkey's February earthquake, Sri Lanka flooding, and the recent Marocco earthquake. Mapping can literally help save lives. It's fun and easy too!
Also OSM usually beats Apple and Google by a mile when it comes to route planning for bicycles. I think it's one part techbros being eternally car brained and one part if you're a cyclist the chance you're the kind of crank to contribute to things like OSM is exponentially increased.
For hiking too osm is a godsend
I love OSM, I try to put notes to fix things when I see them (for example, one-way streets that aren't properly set up, or left turns that aren't allowed). One day I'll hopefully have the confidence to fix things myself.
I use Osmand mostly, as it allows me to easily have everything offline. (Plus I can sideload/back up the maps on android)
There is a fun app called StreetComplete than makes it easy to complete missing info and I suppose fix it too.
Additionally, if you're into mapping, give QGIS a try.
It's an open source geospatial data management application, which is available cross-platform.
It neatly integrates many processing tools into a relatively intuitive GUI, and having even some basic skill can lead to some job opportunities.
You can even import OSM data through plugins or download services, which you can use for all kinds of fancy things.
There is a (somewhat) active community here too: !openstreetmap@lemmy.ml
And if you want a maps app that uses OSM, I recommend Organic Maps
I once saw a comment about an app that made it easier to contribute to OSM. Do you know which one that might be?
That was very likely Street Complete which is self explanatory and a great way to start. You are adding all kinds of useful information about any kind of object or building with this.
There's also Vespucci which allows to alter the whole map (ie edit streets, POIs and so on) but takes a lot more to get familiar with.
You can also try the webapp https://mapcomplete.org
Honorable mention for Maproulette as well!
Is there a decent option for using OSM with Android Auto? I want to move away from Google as much as possible, but Mapfactor's routing is... well, terrible.
Give OsmAnd a try. Organic Maps are also working on the integration, but its not yet there and fully refined, though it is my preferred map for navigation while driving.
Hmmm, I'm using osmand from Fdroid and it does not support it. It looks like you need to use the subscription version which is a bit much but I'll take a look.
Not necessarily subscription, it looks like the $30 osmand+ app supports it. Also, you can just steal it. :D
Magic Earth uses OSM and has Android Auto capability. It also has traffic data. It's not open source, but they have a great privacy policy.
I love OSM and use it through OsmAnd. I also contributed in the past, creating the first mapping for the area I lived in back then. I want to contribute again. But I find that wherever I go, everything is already mapped to the finest detail. A good problem to have, I think.
I've been using this as my main map app for years. Ive never contributed though, and will do that next!
You can start light, just by verifying that the data is up to date or adding some information eg. wheelchairs facilities or payment methods accepted. I use a tool called Every Door (Android) and it makes this surveying really simple and quick.
Nice! Every door was on fdroid (Foss) so its now installed!