I dare you to try OpenStreetMap!

lionirdeadman
2019-10-16T00:48:01Z

I dare you to try OpenStreetMap but also (probably most importantly) contribute!

But first, some introduction,

What even is OpenStreetMap?

Okay well, OpenStreetMap is a database, licensed under ODBL, to create maps basically.

It's kind of like Wikipedia with how the data is crowdsourced from well, anyone. The data can then be used for well, basically anything.

Research? Sure.
Wanna make your own map? Sure.
Wanna just use it for navigation without relying on anyone else? Hell yeah you can.

Basically anything you want as long as you share people's work under ODBL and well, attribute them of course.

How do I use it?
Well, for navigation, on desktop :

Gnome Maps

GraphHopper

Qwant Maps

On mobile :

OSMand

Maps.me

Maps (on F-droid)

Navmii

You can also find other choices on the OSM wiki

Okay so now that you know how to use it for yourself, let's get contributing!

For this, since it's most likely going to be new users editing, we will use iD, it's available right under the edit button on OpenStreetMap's website!

Well, I would explain how to use it and all but thankfully, since iD is pretty userfriendly, there's a walkthrough to get you started.

Please DO NOT copy data from Google Maps or other services, it would violate their licenses. Only add information you personally know from local knowledge or aerial footage which you can use, iD thankfully lets us use most of the available ones which we have the rights to use for OSM.

If you need any kind of help,
the wiki is there which has tons of information but which also has links to mailing lists, IRC, Discord and other services. Oh and of course, feel free to comment below too.

If you're already using OSM or contributing, feel free to talk about your experience below too!

Happy Mapping!

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