Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

OpenStreetMap

OpenStreetMap is a map of the world, created by people like you and free to use under an open license.

OpenStreetMap

OpenStreetMap Reviews and Details

This page is designed to help you find out whether OpenStreetMap is good and if it is the right choice for you.

Screenshots and images

  • OpenStreetMap Cover Photo
    Cover Photo //
    2024-01-08

Features & Specs

  1. Open Source

    OpenStreetMap (OSM) is an open-source project, allowing free access to map data and the ability to contribute and modify the maps. This encourages widespread collaboration and innovation.

  2. Up-to-date Information

    Due to its large community of contributors, OSM often has up-to-date and detailed information, especially in urban areas. Users can quickly add new roads, businesses, and other updates.

  3. Customization

    Users have the flexibility to customize maps for specific needs, such as creating specialized maps for hiking, cycling, or public transportation.

  4. Global Coverage

    OSM offers extensive global coverage, which can be especially useful in regions where commercial map services might be limited or outdated.

  5. Ethical and Transparent

    Being community-driven and open, OSM provides a more ethical choice compared to commercial alternatives that may have hidden data collection practices.

Badges & Trophies

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Videos

OpenStreetMap: The map that saves lives | CNBC International

Switching away from Google Maps : Here Maps, Bing Maps, OpenStreetMap...

OpenStreetMap Download / Installation On Garmin Edge 520 GPS Device. Bike Computer

Social recommendations and mentions

We have tracked the following product recommendations or mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you see what people think about OpenStreetMap and what they use it for.
  • Rekichizu: A Modern Take on Japan's Historical Maps
    Finally, to ensure a visually harmonious experience, the design of the integrated modern map, which utilizes OpenStreetMap (OSM) data, has been carefully styled to match the aesthetic and color palette of the original Rekichizu historical map. - Source: dev.to / 6 months ago
  • Waterway Map
    You can go to https://openstreetmap.org/ , zoom in and enable the map data layer. From there history is accessible. - Source: Hacker News / over 2 years ago
  • Bike rack capacity
    Hi! I am working on a project mapping bike racks around my city on OpenStreetMap. One of the attributes that I tag is the rack's capacity, but I haven't come to a conclusion about the capacity of these wave-shaped racks:. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Get full name of a admin unit in a admin unit hierarchy like Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, United States of America
    I need the bounding boxes of all adminstrative units in a specific region from the largest (e.g. The state) to the smallest (whatever this is called) including the full name of the district. What I mean by that is what is displayed on openstreetmap.org when I search for e.g. Brooklyn: it will be displayed in the search results as "Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, United States of America" โ€“ the names joined from... Source: over 2 years ago
  • Protomaps โ€“ A free and open source map of the world
    It's OpenStreetMap (ODbL) and Natural Earth (public domain) currently * http://openstreetmap.org * http://naturalearthdata.com. - Source: Hacker News / over 2 years ago
  • Coffee Decor Pikmin
    Pikmin Bloom sources Decor locations from OpenStreetMap, itโ€™s not always 100%, but itโ€™s close enough. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Pittsburgh busways
    On which map? Yes, I know you probably mean the default on openstreetmap.org, but it's important to specify, because that's just a single output on a single website. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • AEO not removing comments anymore?
    If you need maps you'd better use openstreetmap.org. They only want a copyright notice if you use screenshots. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • Tesla Directions Wrong, Google Map right. How do I fix tesla navigation?
    Check that it is correct on openstreetmap.org. It is known that Tesla uses Google Maps, and openstreetmap as sources for its navigation, and those are the only two sources you can do anything about. You can edit openstreetmap yourself, and you can suggest an edit to Google maps to fix problems. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • Tool I created for generating annual suncharts for anywhere on Earth taking building and terrain shadows into account - shademap.app/sunchart
    You can find your home and check it's height on openstreetmap.org then update create an account and update the data. I've actually never done this. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • How to change map langage/alphabet?
    Maybe its a bug? Have you checked openstreetmap.org? You can query features of e.g. The street you are looking at. You should have have something like name:en additional to name=whatever. Could also be ref=. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • How easy is it to live car free in Marburg?
    On CyclOSM via openstreetmap.org you can always check the biking infrastructure for any place. It is open source and community-based, so maybe some changes will not be updated in real time but still very reliable in Germany. For Marburg: Https://www.openstreetmap.org/#map=14/50.8024/8.7688&layers=Y. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • Reddit Alternative for /r/flashlight
    Organic Maps - maps app using Open Street Map, fully functional without an internet connection with turn-by-turn navigation (including biking, walking, and public transit). Source: almost 3 years ago
  • Are there any good digital atlases?
    I think what you're looking for is different renderings of OpenStreetMap. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • How can I create a osm url with gps point included to share?
    Your question isn't very clearly worded, but I think what you want is the "share" button on the openstreetmap.org website and then checking the "include marker" checkbox? Source: almost 3 years ago
  • Extracting addresses from OpenStreetMaps
    This project is born in order to provide quality addresses with worldwide coverage under an open license, by directly extracting addresses from the raw data dumps of OpenStreetMap. - Source: dev.to / almost 3 years ago
  • Some mapping work I've done in OpenStreetMap over the last 2 years
    You are looking at screenshots of https://openstreetmap.org. The map includes details like roads, landcover, buildings, and waterways. Source: about 3 years ago
  • Parking lots along a Stroad in Orem, Utah. About 15% of the land use in the outlined area is parking.
    Not to be negative, but if the people that built these maps could do their mapping on, or upload their mapping to, openstreetmap.org, then this data could be preserved and made available for others to use and add to dynamically rather than as a static image. Source: about 3 years ago
  • Topographic map making
    If you just want a map of paths have a look at openstreetmap.org you may find someone has already mapped them. If not they have a lot of tools to help you add them to a map that everyone can benefit from. Source: about 3 years ago
  • OpenRailwayMap won't update
    Unless it is the standard layer on openstreetmap.org, don't expect your edits to show up quickly. Depending on the service, it can be days, weeks, months, until you see your changes reflect in different maps and different services. Source: about 3 years ago
  • Navigation app that isn't a subscription
    OsmAnd is based on the same data (OpenStreetMap) like MAPS.me but has way more features and can be customized to the max. The data can be downloaded and is then offline available. However, I don't know if the elevation data is for free. Source: about 3 years ago

Summary of the public mentions of OpenStreetMap

OpenStreetMap (OSM) has garnered substantial public attention and positive opinion as a significant alternative to commercial mapping services like Google Maps, particularly over the past few years. Founded in 2005, OSM is praised for its open-source and community-driven nature, offering users a dynamic and customizable mapping experience that's supported by a global community of volunteers and activists.

Community Engagement and Collaboration: One of the standout features of OSM is its reliance on a broad network of contributors who actively update and enhance map data. This crowdsourced approach allows for a high degree of detail and personalization, which is often cited as a key advantage over proprietary systems. Users have the ability to edit map information directly, thus keeping the data fresh and relevant. This collaborative dimension fosters a sense of ownership and community involvement that can be particularly appealing to users interested in contributing to a public good.

Free and Open-Source Model: OSM's free availability makes it an attractive option for individuals and businesses alike, especially when contrasted with the commercial licensing models of competitors. Its open-source nature assures users that the database can be used, modified, and shared freely, thus offering flexibility that is often restricted by the terms of service associated with other mapping solutions.

Functional Versatility and Applications: Functional versatility is another significant aspect that propels OSM's popularity. Users can access detailed maps for a variety of applications, from routing and navigation to geographic analysis. Furthermore, related applications like OsmAnd and Maps.me leverage OSM's data to offer comprehensive offline navigation solutions, which are particularly beneficial in situations where cellular data may be unreliable or expensive. This offline capability, coupled with detailed data inclusions for various activities like cycling or hiking, broadens its appeal to a diverse user base.

Customizability and Integration: The customizability of OSM is highly valued, especially by developers and tech enthusiasts. The ability to extract and manipulate map data, facilitated by platforms like Planet OSM, allows for the development of specialized applications and integrations. This flexibility has led to its use in numerous third-party applications, including gaming, business analysis, and transportation planning.

Limitations and Comparisons: Despite its strengths, OSM does face some limitations. The granularity and accuracy of data can vary depending on geographic regions, and updates may not always synchronize quickly across different platforms using OSM data. Additionally, while its simplicity is a compelling feature, some users may find it lacks the refined UI and advanced real-time features offered by competitors like Google Maps and Apple Maps.

In summary, OpenStreetMap represents a robust alternative within the digital mapping landscape. Its open-source model, extensive community involvement, and comprehensive data features align closely with the growing public preference for transparency and collaborative projects. While it may not replace all proprietary mapping solutions, OSM's adaptability and cost-free offerings make it an invaluable tool for both casual users and professional developers.

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Is OpenStreetMap good? This is an informative page that will help you find out. Moreover, you can review and discuss OpenStreetMap here. The primary details have not been verified within the last quarter, and they might be outdated. If you think we are missing something, please use the means on this page to comment or suggest changes. All reviews and comments are highly encouranged and appreciated as they help everyone in the community to make an informed choice. Please always be kind and objective when evaluating a product and sharing your opinion.