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  • Showing only topics in ~tech with the tag "data". Back to normal view / Search all groups
    1. I dare you to try OpenStreetMap!

      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...

      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!

      46 votes
    2. #DataScience Hive mind: I’m writing an article about the career path for job-changers who want to get into data science fields. I’d love your input.

      It’s no secret that data science is a good career path. The jobs are in demand, the salaries are compelling, and the work is interesting. So how does someone break in? In particular, I’m...

      It’s no secret that data science is a good career path. The jobs are in demand, the salaries are compelling, and the work is interesting. So how does someone break in?

      In particular, I’m interested in how an experienced IT professional can move into data science. What advice would you give to someone with, say, five years of computing experience, who wants to break into the field? Tell me about the skills required, where you’d tell your friend to go to acquire them, and how to get a job without a specialized degree. What would make you say, “I want to hire this person, even if the individual lacks the relevant schooling”?

      6 votes
    3. What are the arguments against letting user data be collected?

      It's obviously bad when "real" data like full names and credit card info leaks, but most data companies collect is probably email address and some anonymous things like which buttons and when the...

      It's obviously bad when "real" data like full names and credit card info leaks, but most data companies collect is probably email address and some anonymous things like which buttons and when the user clicked.

      Nevertheless, such data collection, tracking and telemetry is considered quite bad among power users. I don't support those practices either. But I'm struggling to consolidate my arguments agaist data collection. The one I'm confident about is effects on performance and battery life on mobile devices, but why else it's bad I'm not sure.

      What are your arguments? Why is it bad when a company X knows what anonymous user Y did and made money on that info? What's the good response to anyone who asks why I'm doing the "privacy things"?

      20 votes