Uber

Uber Technologies, Inc. headquartered in San Francisco, California, is a global company that provides ride-hailing, food delivery, freight transportation, and courier services.

Project Overview

Global Contributions to OpenStreetMap

Uber actively contributes to OpenStreetMap (OSM) by enhancing the global basemap with accurate, high-quality data. A key strength of this effort is our local, on-the-ground presence in over 70 markets, represented by dedicated Operations (OPs) teams. These teams serve as a valuable source of local knowledge, ensuring that our edits reflect real-world conditions across diverse regions.

This local insight is put into action by a team of skilled, trained mapping operators who adhere to established best editing practices. Through this combination of global scale and local expertise, Uber supports the accuracy, reliability, and overall quality of the OSM map for the benefit of the entire community.

Type of changes	Locations
Sidewalk, crosswalk & pedestrian access data	United States, UK
Road network: road geometry, road classes, names, turn restrictions, and directionality	United States
Detailed lane information: including turn lanes and lane connectivity	United States
Transportation infrastructure: mapping signposts, shields, and key transit features	United States

By contributing high-quality, verified data to OSM, we aim to support more accurate navigation, better trip planning, and a more comprehensive global map experience.

Improving Walking Accuracy Projects

A key focus of our mapping initiative is the creation and refinement of walking lines and sidewalks across the United States. By enriching this data, we aim to support better pedestrian navigation and accessibility. Our dedicated team—based in India and California—will be actively contributing to OSM by:

• Creating and updating walking paths and sidewalks to enhance walkability.
• Mapping indoor airport features such as terminals, entrances, security checks, elevators, and escalators for improved indoor navigation.
• Collaborating with local operations teams and using available data sources for validation and accuracy.
• Ensuring all edits comply with OSM’s Organized Editing Best Practices.

These efforts directly support Uber’s goal of providing seamless and accurate trip experiences for all users, particularly in urban environments where pedestrian infrastructure is essential.

Ongoing Activities

Uber is conducting organized editing in OpenStreetMap to improve pedestrian map quality and support more reliable walking navigation for pickup and dropoff in the Uber app. At present, this work is focused primarily on improving the coverage and quality of sidewalk, crosswalk, and related pedestrian access data.

Current editing is focused on the United States and EMEA.

Edits are performed by human editors using aerial imagery and street-level imagery available to Uber, together with quality assurance processes. The team reviews and updates map data to improve the completeness and accuracy of pedestrian infrastructure, especially sidewalks, crosswalks, and related pedestrian access features.

Sources of Edits

Uber editors use aerial imagery and street-level imagery available to Uber to review and update sidewalk, crosswalk, and related pedestrian access data in OpenStreetMap.

Edits are made manually by human editors. Source availability and suitability may vary by country or region, and editors are expected to use the most appropriate source available for the area being edited.

Process Flow

• Identify Problematic Areas – Analyze user reports and trip data to detect issues. Use internal GPS probe data to locate inaccuracies.
• Data Validation – Cross-reference internal data with Mapillary SLI’s and field inputs to confirm discrepancies.
• Editing the Map – Use ID Editor for simple fixes and JOSM for complex edits.
• Validation & Error Resolution – Run validation tools, fix all errors and warnings.

Quality Assurance

Uber’s organized editing is performed by trained human editors and follows internal quality assurance processes.

Editors review available imagery carefully, follow applicable local mapping conventions, and use the most appropriate available sources for the area being edited. In areas with recent construction, significant physical change, or insufficient source confidence, editors may avoid making updates until the situation can be verified more reliably.

Changeset Comments and Community Contact

Uber aims to respond promptly to changeset comments and community questions related to its organized editing activities.

Community feedback is reviewed by the team, and questions about specific edits may be raised through OSM changeset comments or through the contacts listed on this page.

UBER MAP Edit Team

• The list of UBER MAP team members can be seen here: Uber OSM Project Team Members ^GitHub

When members of the Uber editing team receive feedback or comments on a changeset, responding within 24 hours is treated as a top priority. We value community engagement and encourage you to reach out with any feedback, questions, or suggestions.

Contact us at: OSM@uber.com