openstreet

OpenStreetMap, often abbreviated as OSM, is a collaborative project to create a free, editable map of the world. Think of it as Wikipedia for maps. Anyone can contribute to OpenStreetMap by adding and editing geographic data. The project was founded in 2004 by Simon Poole and Steve Coast with the goal of providing a free, open-source alternative to proprietary mapping services.

The data collected by OpenStreetMap covers a wide range of features, including roads, buildings, points of interest, land use, and administrative boundaries. This data is collected through various methods, such as ground surveys using GPS devices, aerial imagery, and existing public data. Volunteers, often referred to as "mappers," are the backbone of the project, dedicating their time and effort to mapping their local areas and beyond.

OpenStreetMap data is licensed under the Open Database License (ODbL), which allows anyone to use, modify, and distribute the data freely, provided they give attribution to OpenStreetMap and its contributors. This open licensing has led to widespread adoption of OSM data by a diverse range of applications and services, including navigation apps, humanitarian mapping efforts, academic research, and even commercial products. The project's community is active and supportive, with forums, mailing lists, and regular mapping events facilitating collaboration and knowledge sharing.