Using OpenStreetMap

OpenStreetMap is a database of mapping information which can be used for many different purposes with very few restrictions (See copyright for more details relation to usage and copyright). You can benefit from OpenStreetMap using the main OpenStreetMap page or one of the many many other information services based on OpenStreetMap available from many different organisations.

The entire database, which is updated in real time, is however also available for download from Planet.osm. This is however is a very large file indeed and it may be more appropriate to download only the data relating to an individual countries and region using 3rd party information services detailed in the linked article.

If you notice an error or omission in the data for some purpose, then pleace contribute changes of additions to the database using a simple editor and then changes will be available to everyone, including you within a short period of time.

Contents 1 Notices 1.1 License 1.2 Safety disclaimer 2 Maps 3 Online and offline routing, GPS units etc 4 Research 5 Downloading data 6 See also 7 Gallery

Notices

License

See also: Copyright

You can use OpenStreetMap mapping and data without charge on only two conditions; firstly that you attribute your use of OpenStreetMap appropriately and secondly that you share any corrections or improvements back with the project as appropriate.

Safety disclaimer

Main article: Disclaimer

OpenStreetMap is not a complete or accurate map of the world and should not be used in such a manner that deficiencies, omissions, inaccuracies or errors could result in death, loss or injury. See Disclaimer for more information.

Maps

See also: OSM Online Browsing, OSM on Paper

There are numerous services which display online slippy maps based on OpenStreetMap ('OSM') data. The OSM Online Browsing page highlights some of these, as does the OSM based services. It is possible to create Static map images (rather than 'slippy' maps) for particular areas, and guidance is available on Deploying your own Slippy Map (for example on your own website).

If you want to make a print or final image of the map there are various services which can create OSM on Paper. As with online mapping websites remember that what a printed map looks like isn't fixed.

Online and offline routing, GPS units etc

See also: online routers, offline routers, OSM on GPS

It is also possible to use OpenStreetMap data to create both Online routers and also Offline routers to find directions between two locations using a wide variety of modes of transport.

It can be useful to have the OpenStreetMap data for an area in your GPS. See the OSM on GPS article for details of how to do this. The Software article has details of many packages of software which you may want to use.

Research

Main article: Research

OpenStreetMap data is being used for research all round the world.

Downloading data

Main article: Downloading data

It is possible to download large or small amounts of data in a wide variety of formats for many purposes, including use in professional GIS software systems.

See also

• Browsing
• Glossary
• List of OSM based Services
• Mapping projects

Gallery

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  3D mapping[ (České republiky only)

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  OpenCycleMap (for cyclists - global)

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  OpenPisteMap (for downhill skiing - many resorts)

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  OpenSeaMap (for nautical charts)

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  Routing for cyclists using CycleStreets (UK only)

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  Students learning about OpenStreetMap