Mapquest is launching a beta version of its site using OpenStreetMap (OSM) data, beginning with the UK site at open.mapquest.co.uk. AOL has established a $1 million internal OSM fund to improve mapping data over the next year using resources from MapQuest and local sites like Patch. They are also hiring both full-time and contractor positions to help engage and support the open-source mapping community.

1. OSM from Patch to MapquestRandy MeechHead of Engineering, AOL Local & Mappingrandy@patch.com / @randyme

2. Hyperlocal news and information siteFull-time journalist in each communityHigh quality data collection process for business listingsCurrently live in 83 towns in USScaling to hundreds by the end of this year

4. Storied mapping site: the first dynamic web application many people used49.1 million unique visitors per monthLack of investment in recent years – changing!Recently launched major redesign athttp://new.mapquest.com/Big announcement today…

6. AOL’s best-of city guide, recently dormantSeptember relaunch in 25 US citiesSimilar to Patch: focus on high-quality business listing data for citiesTools for users to vote on and share favorite restaurants, bars, etc.City’s Best

7. Okay AOL, what about OSM?Patch is focused on small communitiesLocal editors concerned about missing parksWe read “Take Control of Your Maps” by Paul Smith of EveryBlockSet up our own map stack with Mapnik, a custom style from Stamen Design, TileCache, OpenLayers, and OSMOur editors and engineers contribute back

9. Mapquest on OSM!Launching a beta version of Mapquest on OSMUK site first: http://open.mapquest.co.uk/Other European domains to followEntirely new stack: Mapnik, TileCache, Nominatim, OSMPaying developers to contribute back to open source projectsWeb Mercator projectionPlease use our tiles (beta)

10. Why UK, Not US?US navigability needs improvementMapquest known for accurate directionsThe UK & Germany ahead in qualityWe have a large, engaged user base across multiple local properties in the USFine with the license, we have resources…

11. AOL’s Investment in OSMEstablishes $1MM internal OpenStreetMap Fund to improve data over next yearWill use resources from MapQuest and Patch to engage audiences to contributeContact the team at open@mapquest.com with questions or comments

12. We’re Hiring!We need your help & expertiseWe want to engage and support the open-source mapping communityFull-time roles in London, NYC, Lancaster PA, Denver CO, and the SF Bay AreaContractor positions available elsewhere if you work on an open source project that we useContact us: open@mapquest.com

13. Questions?