This document introduces OpenStreetMap, a free and editable map of the world. It describes how OSM data is collected and mapped through tracing aerial imagery, field notes, problem reports, and social mapping events. The data is represented as nodes, ways, and relations tagged with key-value pairs. OSM has been used for humanitarian mapping projects in Gaza and Haiti following natural disasters. It aims to provide more up-to-date maps than proprietary alternatives through its global network of volunteer mappers.

1. An introduction to OpenStreetMap
presented by David Dean
http://www.dbdean.com

2. What is OpenStreetMap?
• Geographic data
– For driving, riding,
walking, boating,
skiing, hiking, anything
• Free
– Currently CC-BY-SA,
moving to ODBL
• Wiki-like editing
http://www.osm.org
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3. Why not just use Google Maps?
or WhereIs/Yahoo/Bing Maps?
or whatever is on your GPS/Phone?
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4. Updated rapidly
Google OpenStreetMap
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5. But, coverage can be poor
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6. Not just for cars
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7. Data freely available (and editable)
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8. Raw traces are available too
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9. Free data means you can do more neat stuff
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10. Lots of Mappers
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11. Worldwide activity
OSM 2008: A Year of Edits
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12. Available on many devices
Garmin PNDs
OffMaps on IPhone
Garmin GPSs
Gosmore on Windows Mobile
AndNav2 on Android
GPSMid on J2ME MaemoMapper on Nokia Maemo
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13. Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team
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14. OpenStreetMap Gaza Project
Jan 2009: Mikel Maron announces
OpenStreetMap Gaza Project
Feb 2009: Mapping begins with
purchased aerial imagery
(~ $6000)
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15. Gaza Strip today
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16. MAP Kibera (April 2009)
• First complete, free and open map of Kibera,
Nairobi.
• Mapped primarily
with local volunteers
with the assistance
of MAP Kibera.
http://mapkibera.org
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17. Kibera today
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18. Haiti earthquake, Jan 2010
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19. Haiti earthquake, Jan 2010
High-res imagery donated this time. (many providers)
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20. Haiti earthquake, Jan 2010
High-res imagery donated this time. (many providers)
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21. http://haiti.ushahidi.com
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22. World Bank Situation Room
http://haiti.ushahidi.com
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23. "Hello guys, I just wanted to let you know
that your work on improving the Haiti
maps is really appreciated here. A few
days ago I installed a version on my
Garmin Oregon GPS and the result is
impressive. It has already saved me and
my driver from getting lost twice, and the
alternative would have been long delays.
In the coming days I will try to update our
Red Cross relief GPS receivers with your
map.” - Kjeld Jensen, Red Cross (IFRC)
World Bank Situation Room
http://haiti.ushahidi.com
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24. So, how can you map?
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25. (Option 1) Trace aerial imagery
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26. (Option 2) Go outside
Take notes, →
record your trip
(optional),
and update the map from your notes at home
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27. (Option 3) Tell someone about a problem
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28. (Option 4) Be social
• Brisbane mapping events occur monthly
– Alternate between mapping parties and meetups
• Next event: OSM Mapping Meetup
– 7pm Monday 21st June at Grange Library
– See http://wiki.osm.org/wiki/Brisbane
• What is a mapping party?
– A group of people get together to map a large
area in a single day
– Example: Macleay Island in November 2009
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29. Data representation
• Geographic information is
represented as
– Nodes
– Ways
• Ordered collections of nodes
• Closed ways can be areas
– Relations
• Ordered collections of ways
and nodes
• All can be tagged with
any key/value pairs
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30. No formal key/value ontology
• Let freedom flourish!
• Common tagging is
encouraged
– Map Features wiki
– Editor presets
– Renderers
– OSMDoc
– Tagwatch
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31. Questions/Suggestions?
Thanks for listening.
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