What OpenStreetMap is and what it’s not

May 12th, 2011

The name "OpenStreetMap" suggests some sort of an open alternative to Google Maps or similar services. Its mission is often misunderstood or miscommunicated even by the very people who promote it.

If one ask for cats at a pet store and is shown dogs instead, one would be disappointed, even if one likes dogs too. And so it is important that people communicate OpenStreetMap's purpose correctly.

What it is

From OpenStreetMap Foundation (osmfoundation.org):
"OpenStreetMap is an open initiative to create and provide free map data to anyone who wants them."

It is map data. That data is created by anyone who cares and can be used in any way for free. What kind of data? Street names, restaurants, landmarks, etc.

You can create your own application to use the open data, like trash can locations, bicycle navigation, shopping mall plan, etc. The idea is to let developers use the data for their apps and let users contribute data if something is missing.

Data contributed is not just a latitude, longitude and a name. It's actually quite fun: you can draw a polygon on the map and then name it, tag it, etc.

As a side note, OpenStreetMap provides the data freely, it does not own it.

What it is not

OpenStreetMap, in itself, is not a map or a search engine. It's supposed to be just data and a means to edit/query it. So if you try openstreetmap.org as an alternative to Google Maps and search for "restaurant near location", chances are you will be greatly disappointed.

But then, why does the site display a search box and a map? The search box allows you to quickly go to a spot on the map so that you may add your own data to it.

If you want to use more advanced tools, you should look for applications that use OpenStreetMap data and make it more meaningful. Example: open.mapquest.com

Conclusion

OpenStreetMap is a database. Anything that goes in belongs to the world and can go out without restrictions.

Many people out there already spent a lot of time contributing data and writing applications (free or not). You can contribute too, either by promoting OpenStreetMap, adding data or writing cool applications.

When you promote it, make sure you remember to say what it is and what it's not.

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