OpenStreetMap and OSM Cycle Maps

My second post today after a long hiatus. Hello again everyone.

I've mentioned the 'OpenStreetMap' (http://openstreetmap.org/) project
on here before but I think it deserves more of a mention than I've
previously given it.

OpenStreetMap is like 'Wikipedia' (http://wikipedia.org) for maps:
they're producing a streetmap for the world where anybody can
contribute. That's not as far-fetched an effort as it sounds and their
coverage is already extremely good in many places, both in terms of area
mapped and the detailed information available. As well as the cheap
availability of accurate GPS units for individuals to survey with, they
have access to some satellite imagery they can "trace" maps from, plus
various sources of freely available streetmap data to incorporate. The
end result is somewhat like 'Google Maps' (http://maps.google.com) but
with a number of advantages:


- You can legally reuse their data in ways that aren't possible with
Google maps.
- They map pedestrian and cycle facilities which Google doesn't have:
cycle paths, offroad tracks, bike parking...
- Anyone can make a specialized map using their data.




Further on point 3 above, there is a special OpenStreetMap Cycle Map
which highlights things cyclists may be interested in: paths,
cycleways, public toilets, bike parking, contour lines, etc. You can
get it by browsing the OpenStreetMap webpage, clicking the "+" sign in
the top right of the map and selecting "Cycle Map". If you find any
maps you want to print off, put on your phone / ipod, or whatever you
can click "Export" at the top of the page and it'll give you a JPEG,
PNG or PDF file to save. That's another thing Google Maps doesn't let
you do.

Finally, I'll note that it's pretty easy to add stuff to OSM so if your
area is missing stuff you can look at fixing that ;-) You don't have to
have a GPS although they are useful. Take a look at the contributor
guidelines on the website to find out more and to find out what data
sources you can use (you can't just copy stuff from other maps).

I hope this is of use to some folks. Google Maps is awesome too,
Ordnance Survey is good in the UK, Google Earth is good for looking at
terrain. OSM is just another handy tool that might help you find cool
places to ride - I think it's worth a look.

Cheers,
Mark


--
mark williamson

Dave: Just a question. What use is a unicyle with no seat? And no
pedals!
Mark: To answer a question with a question: What use is a skateboard?
Dave: Skateboards have wheels.
Mark: My wheel has a wheel!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
mark williamson's Profile: http://www.unicyclist.com/profile/11301
View this thread: http://www.unicyclist.com/thread/71656


Posted Via Usenet.com Premium Usenet Newsgroup Services
----------------------------------------------------------
http://www.usenet.com