Apple Maps

Apple’s new maps for iOS6 make use of OpenStreetMap in some parts of the world. We’re not sure how extensive this use is, but it’s fair to say they are mostly using other sources. Apple have used TomTom as a key supplier of data for example. This means that inaccuracies in apple maps are probably not the fault of OpenStreetMap (contrary to some commentary!) However OpenStreetMap is mentioned in apple’s credits, and we have spotted some areas where we think we can see our data in use. For example here in Islamabad:

We welcome Apple (or anybody else!) using our map data and we’d like to see them use it more.

If you are having problems with the maps on your phone, have a look at an app that only uses current OpenStreetMap data. That way, you’ll know the source. And if you find that the data in your area can be improved or updated, you can improve it! We hope you’ll join us and help make a free and open map of the world. There are so many OpenStreetMap powered apps (click here for a list). If you already have a favourite, please add a comment below to tell us which one it is, and why.

If you’re an iOS developer you can use an OpenStreetMap map within your app. You have a choice of several different libraries to do this: The open source route-me, or offerings from MapQuest or from CloudMade.

If you’re not an iphone user maybe you’re bored of all this apple talk. We do have apps for android and also windows mobile, blackberry, symbian and much more besides. Developers have brought our free and open data to many different mobile device platforms and navigation devices.

Whichever technologies you’re using to view maps, we hope you’ll choose free and open map data from the not-for-profit OpenStreetMap project.

Weekly OSM Summary #52

September 10th, 2012 – September 24th, 2012

A summary of all the things happening in the OpenStreetMap (OSM) world.

Did we miss something? You can contact us via weekly.osm@googlemail.com

Authors: Pascal & Dennis – (thx @ “Wochennotiz”)

Weekly OSM Summary #51

August 27th, 2012 – September 10th, 2012

A summary of all the things happening in the OpenStreetMap (OSM) world.

  • OpenStreetMap changed its license to the ODbL. You can find the official blog post here and the first ODbL OSM planet dump file here. Please re-import your databases accordingly.
  • Congratulations to the newly elected OSMF board members: Frederik Ramm, Henk Hoff and Simon Poole.
  • You will find all recorded sessions of the State of the Map 2012 conference which was held in Tokyo in the OSM wiki.
  • ITO published some great new videos showing five years of edits in Japan and four years of worldwide edits 2008-2011.
  • Christian Quest created a really nice webpage to show live edits that are made to the OSM project. Also the Java tool OSMZmiany shows you the latest changes in the OSM database.
  • A blog post about the HOT at the Tech Camp in Dakar. You can also help the HOT with their new website.
  • Pascal Neis published an “I Like OpenStreetMap” OpenLayers Plugin. It allows the user to leave a like or dislike feedback about the condition of a certain area in OpenStreetMap. You can find more information here and in a blog post here.
  • Martijn van Excel created some nice tools to fix errors created by the redaction bot. Give it a try here.
  • The next OSM Hack Weekend in Germany is planned for the first October weekend.
  • Tom MacWright wrote a blog post about “Running Maps” and his 3D demo.
  • The webpage of the fast OSM Open Source Routing Machine got an update to Leaflet 0.4.
  • The Overpass API offers Augmented Minute Diff files now. You can use it to update an OSM database for a certain area.
  • Are you interested in Mapper Cards? Richard Weait created some.
  • The webpage wheelmap.org has a new dashboard to show some statistics and information about places in several metropolitan areas that are providing a friendly environment for disabled or handicapped people.
  • Stamen Designs published a service Map2Image to create your own OSM printouts. You can try it here.
  • Sage CRM has an OSM Module now, which has been created by the Sage community.

Did we miss something? You can contact us via weekly.osm@googlemail.com

Authors: Pascal & Dennis – (thx @ “Wochennotiz”)

Discount registration for SotM-US in Portland

Martijn tells us about the latest in OpenStreetMap local conferences:

Prices are set to increase for State of the Map – US, in Portland after this Sunday, 16 September 2012, so register now for just $80 ($50 for US Local Chapter members). The conference is right around the corner, happening on October 13-14. It will be great to keep the energy going from Tokyo.

The program is shaping up, with more then 50 sessions in the works.

Some highlights include:

  • Steve Coast, the founder of OpenStreetMap, will kick off the conference with a keynote presentation.
  • Trimet, Portland’s public transportation service agency, will talk about how OpenStreetMap data powers their trip planner.
  • Foursquare and Flickr will talk about how and why they use OpenStreetMap.
  • The World Bank will talk about its work using OSM to help build more resilient communities.
  • The National Park service will show off its new basemap.
  • Community leaders working in Portland, Macon GA, and Indonesia will present on their communities and what they’re doing locally.

The full schedule is due out in the new few days. Watch @sotmus and stateofthemap.us for updates, and be sure to register now to not miss out on the lowest rate possible. Excited to see everyone in October!

OpenStreetMap data license is ODbL

As of 9am (UK time), today, 12 September 2012, OpenStreetMap is now licensed under the Open Database Licence.

Thank you Open Data Commons for making legal tools available for the Open Data community.

[Update: Friday, 14 September 2012 approximately 18:30 UTC]
The XML-format Planet file took longer to generate than expected. It is now available in the new directory structure at http://planet.osm.org/planet/. You may experience slow downloads due to demand at this time.

Additional PBF-format files will follow as soon as they are completely generated.

Change to ODbL imminent

Hello OpenStreetMap-pers,

The change to ODbL is imminent. No, Really. We mean it.

At long last we are at the end of the license change process. After four years of consultation, debate, revision, improvement, revision, debate, improvement, implementation, coding and mapping, mapping, mapping, it comes down to this final step. And this final step is an easy one, because we have all pitched in to do the hard work in advance. The last step is so easy, it will be a picnic.

On Wednesday, 12 September 2012[1], generation of the next Planet file will begin. At that point, the API will switch over to ODbL and OpenStreetMap will be an ODbL-licensed Open Data project. API transactions and diffs consumed after that point will consist of ODbL-licensed OpenStreetMap data.

About thirty hours later, that newly-generated planet file will be available from planet.openstreetmap.org for you to consume with your renderers, routers, QA systems, convertors and re-imaginers.

You won’t want to mix ODbL diffs with old license planets or diffs. Purge and reload your systems with the ODbL planet. Then consume the ODbL diffs. Planet will have a new directory structure. We’re taking this opportunity to rationalize the layout of planet directories a bit. You should find it easier to understand afterwards. This also means that you won’t accidentally mix data of different licenses.

Mappers

Mappers shouldn’t see a difference and won’t have to change their mapping. Continue to improve OpenStreetMap by mapping from your own survey observations and using OSM-approved external sources. Never copy from other maps.

Data consumers

If you consume OpenStreetMap data and publish it, we have some guidance for you on the wiki. You’ll want to consider your obligations under the new license and then proceed to purge your old data and switch to the new. Many consumers, such as custom renderers, will only need to update their attribution of OpenStreetMap to the new simplified attribution.

Data consumers may time their upgrades to the new planet and diffs at their convenience.

Best regards and happy mapping,
The Communication Working Group

[1] in case of rain, we won’t cancel this picnic, just reschedule it for the subsequent Wednesday, 19 September 2012.

Image credit

Photo of cat in picnic basket is © Jacob Davies, licensed CC-By-SA.

New board members

As part of today’s activities in Tokyo, foundation members met for an Annual General Meeting where the final votes were cast for the board elections. Congratulations to our new board members:

Frederik Ramm, and Simon Poole.

Congratulations also to Henk Hoff who has been re-elected to his seat on the board. And thanks to Alex Barth, and Kate Chapman for running in the election. Excellent candidates all round, and we enjoyed some stimulating discussion and debate on the members mailing list. Let’s translate these ideas into action. Not only the elected board, but the whole foundation organisation (including you!) has a part to play in making 2012-2013 a great year for OpenStreetMap.

More details on the election