Help break the US hold on map data
Help break the US hold on map data
cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/26246923
Currently there's only 3 big players when it comes to maps. You've got Google, Apple and Microsoft.
Let's try to make OpenStreetMap the best map there is. Go grab StreetComplete and start mapping your surroundings when you're out and about.
All the data is under a public license and managed by a non-profit foundation in the UK.
It's very easy to get started, and quite addictive.
OpenStreetMap is incredibly important. So many map applications and project composed from open-data is dependent on OSM (yes, european alternatives to map applications heavily depend on open-data of OpenStreetMap which is actually a database of geographic information, not only the map layer you often see).
I posted awhile ago about Organic Maps which also allows you to edit certain information. But StreetComplete is more fun :)
Microsoft and Apple use OpenStreetMap to an extent. Even TomTom uses it and, probably, Google. The better we make it, though, the less value adds other players can claim and no one can monopolize good street map data.
The EU needs to create a backup to google earth engine and microsoft planetary computer, right now.
I'm going to contribute! Thank you!!!
What's a good open street map app that I can use? Similar to Google maps.
As the OSM data is freely available, a lot of apps build on it.
Try:
- OsmAnd - comprehensive (I've seen it described as a GIS) but a bit more complicated and can be slower
- Organic Maps - more streamlined and much faster
- Magic Earth - one of the best for car journeys
Best is to download them and see which work best for your uses and location.
Did streetcomplete.app get a hug of death? It's down right now. Anyway, sounds like a cool idea to map it. Anyway, looks like osmand app has a plug in for it too, neat.
I love OSM. Way more than google.
For hiking and cycling it is absolutely supreme to google in every way. Google will often just send you a "car-path" by foot or bike, while OSM will try to steer you to smaller, slower roads/paths (and way more of those are mapped on OSM then on google).
The main issue on OSM for me is the lacking up-to-date business information... If OSM shows shops on maps: don't rely on it. It would be very interesting if the business/reviews/pictures etc part of google maps could somehow make it (open source version) to OSM.
Apologies if I'm missing something, but is there no live version? Do we have to download the local area? (OSMand)
Yes, you have to download the local area. Processing happens on your phone.
Organic Maps is a bit smoother to get started with but I'm very happy with OSM& now I have it set up as I want and was also glad to have it when renting a boat on vacation. If you're new, try Organic Maps first.
Apple isn't a real competitor. Apple maps is like 75% OSM.
Please contribute to this great cause.
I've been using StreetComplete for over a year now, on and off (currently globally ranked #1555 & #132 in my country 🙂) and it's so easy to use.
It's a great feeling to add a local shop / cafe's opening times and then see that in OSM.
Similarly my house (and close neighbours) didn't appear in the map of our local village, so I worked out how to edit in the OSM website and our houses, inc. house numbers are now there so deliveries are now more reliable.
Just a little bit by a few people and it makes the world a better place.