We love OpenStreetMap

Open data is a reality. 

There is a growing awareness in society and in governments of the importance of data, transparency and privacy.

OpenStreetMap (OSM) is an open source database of geolocated data. 

OSM is the largest open source geolocated database.

 

Its ecosystem of apps and projects make it a real alternative to proprietary systems.

 

OpenStreetMap logo

Many people confuse OSM with a map viewer. It is not true. OSM is geolocalized data, but it is true that tools have also been developed around it to visualize maps, do guided from point A to B, make geographical queries, etc.

A look at OpenStreetMap

OpenStreetMap was born in August 2004. Its objective was clear: to be an alternative opensource based on proprietary geolocalizing data. Its creator, Steve Coast was based on the success of Wikipedia.

Today it has almost 5 million users who contribute to its growth and maintenance.

The open source license used is the Open Database License (ODbL).

Its XML database occupies almost 1 Terabyte of data.

OpenStreetMap Map online screenshot

Screenshot of OSM Map Search Online (https://www.openstreemap.org)

Real alternative to Google Maps

Google Maps was launched in 2005 but quickly grew thanks to, among other things, that it was free.

It was incorporating new interesting features: satellite images, GPS navigation, information about shops and points of interest, StreetView, etc.

In addition, it developed a powerful API and SDK in parallel so that developers from all over the world could integrate the functionalities in their websites and apps.

At first, everything was free but then introducing a pay-per-use model in different APIs. They recently restrained the part that was free and now many companies that adopted technology in their services and processes are seen with an invoice for map services that compromise their budget.

Needless to say, it is legitimate to charge for quality APIs.

But we believe that for ethics and responsibility in projects for public administrations and large companies should use this type of open data, as it contributes significantly to a policy of transparency.

OSM is used and integrated into different start-ups that offer a Maps API stack. One of the best known is MapBox, whose SDK/API is up to Google Maps itself but at a lower cost.

OSM Ecosystem

As mentioned, there is a large ecosystem of applications and projects that revolve around OSM. We highlight the following:

Nominatim Website screenshot

Screenshot of Nominatim website

Overpass Turbo demo localzing public fountains in Roma

Overpass demo: fountains in Roma

OSRM Screenshot of a routing demo

OSRM demo: From Santiago Bernarbeu to Wanda Metropololitano

OTP Demo: EMT Valencia

These are the most important for us. But there are countless other projects, some with more routes than others, many abandoned. On the Projects page of your Wiki you can check.

Beyond OSM

There is an open source GIS analysis tool called QGIS.

It's extremely powerful and complete thanks to its plug-in system. Undoubtedly, it is the tool that comes closest to the market leader, ArcGIS of ESRI.

Its uses are endless. We can stand out:

Needless to say, when combined with OSM, its power is unlimited.

Our commitment to OSM and Open Data

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