About OpenStreetMap: Difference between revisions
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The [http://www.openstreetmap.org/copyright OpenStreetMap License] allows free (or almost free) access to our map images and all of our underlying map data. The project aims to promote new and interesting uses of this data. See "[[Why OpenStreetMap?]]" For more details about why we want an open-content map and for the answer to the question we hear most frequently: Why not just use Google maps? |
The [http://www.openstreetmap.org/copyright OpenStreetMap License] allows free (or almost free) access to our map images and all of our underlying map data. The project aims to promote new and interesting uses of this data. See "[[Why OpenStreetMap?]]" For more details about why we want an open-content map and for the answer to the question we hear most frequently: Why not just use Google maps? |
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=== The Map === |
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[[Browsing]] our map is easy. Have a look around and see what you think of our coverage and detail. Over the years we've progressed quite spectacularly, achieving many [[mapping milestones]]. Individuals, governments and commercial companies have already begun putting this data to use, and in many countries, for many uses, OpenStreetMap is a viable alternative to other map providers. However '''the map isn't finished yet'''. The world is a big place. How does your neighbourhood look on OSM? |
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* [[How to contribute]] |
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* [[Legal#Free_and_open_geographic_data_for_the_world]] |
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=== Mapping === |
=== Mapping === |
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This is not just an online project. We are getting out from behind our computer screens, and surveying towns and countryside to create our maps. This is very much a community mapping effort. We use wiki-style collaborative editing software to support this, which means that our maps will keep growing bigger and better. If you have a GPS unit |
This is not just an online project. We are getting out from behind our computer screens, and surveying towns and countryside to create our maps. This is very much a community mapping effort. We use wiki-style collaborative editing software to support this, which means that our maps will keep growing bigger and better. If you have a GPS unit you can contribute any tracks you have recorded. We are also able to derive maps from [[Bing]] aerial imagery or other [[mapping techniques]]. You can start editing our maps straight away using the online "[[iD]]" editor, or download the [[JOSM]] desktop application. |
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* [[Contribute map data]] and [[Beginners' guide]] - how to start your mapping |
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=== Development === |
=== Development === |
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Revision as of 22:13, 14 October 2015
OpenStreetMap is a free, editable map of the whole world that is being built by volunteers largely from scratch and released with an open-content license.
The OpenStreetMap License allows free (or almost free) access to our map images and all of our underlying map data. The project aims to promote new and interesting uses of this data. See "Why OpenStreetMap?" For more details about why we want an open-content map and for the answer to the question we hear most frequently: Why not just use Google maps?
The Map
Browsing our map is easy. Have a look around and see what you think of our coverage and detail. Over the years we've progressed quite spectacularly, achieving many mapping milestones. Individuals, governments and commercial companies have already begun putting this data to use, and in many countries, for many uses, OpenStreetMap is a viable alternative to other map providers. However the map isn't finished yet. The world is a big place. How does your neighbourhood look on OSM?
Mapping
This is not just an online project. We are getting out from behind our computer screens, and surveying towns and countryside to create our maps. This is very much a community mapping effort. We use wiki-style collaborative editing software to support this, which means that our maps will keep growing bigger and better. If you have a GPS unit you can contribute any tracks you have recorded. We are also able to derive maps from Bing aerial imagery or other mapping techniques. You can start editing our maps straight away using the online "iD" editor, or download the JOSM desktop application.
Development
Extensive software development work is taking this project in many different directions. As mentioned above, we have created various map editing tools. In fact OpenStreetMap is powered by open-source software from its slippy map interface to the underlying data access API (a web service interface for reading and writing map data). There is opportunity for subprojects that work with or use our data, but we also need help fixing bugs and adding features to our core components.
Developers and translators are always welcome!
The OpenStreetMap Foundation
The OpenStreetMap Foundation is an organization that performs fund-raising. One major expense is acquiring and maintaining the servers that host the OpenStreetMap project. While the foundation supports the project, it does not control the project or "own" the OSM data. The foundation is dedicated to encouraging the growth, development and distribution of free geospatial data and to providing geospatial data for anyone to use and share.