GNSS tracelog

A good way to get involved in the OpenStreetMap project is to upload GNSS (GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, BeiDou/COMPASS, etc.) traces. Recorded by your satellite receiver or mobile phone, the typical trace is a record of your location every second, or every meter (“tracelog”). Convert it to GPX format if it wasn't done for you automatically. The collected data can be displayed as a background of thin lines or little dots within the map editor. These lines and dots can then be used to help you add map features (such as roads and footpaths), similar to tracing from aerial imagery.

Record tracelog

Convert

Modify

Upload

Accuracy

Device reviews

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Record tracelog – The basics of different types of device, and how to record a tracelog. Convert to GPX – (optional) A simple process that may be required before you can upload your traces. GPX – Presentation of the (XML-based) GPS/GNSS data exchange format used by OpenStreetMap. Modify tracelog – (optional) For a variety of reasons, you may want to modify a tracelog before uploading it. Visibility of GPS traces – The public visibility of your traces on openstreetmap.org can be configured on upload. GPSBabel/Using filters – Example of tool to filter your traces for privacy. Upload – How to upload a GPX file to the OpenStreetMap website and some common problems that might occur. API v0.6#GPS traces – Technical documentation of the online API to submit and query GPX data to OpenStreetMap servers. Accuracy of GPS data – The accuracy of GPS data depends on many factors. Reliability of OSM coordinates Test the accuracy of GPS devices Precision of coordinates GPS Dead Zone – A report about problems in a specific area. GPS device reviews – If your thinking of getting a GPS Receiver to add data to OSM these device reviews are here to help.