What is the OpenStreetMap project
OpenStreetMap (OSM) is a collaborative project to create a free editable map of the world. The project was started in 2004 and aims to create a map that is free to use, modify, and distribute. OSM is built by a community of volunteers who survey and map their local areas, and the data they collect is then made available under an open license. The resulting map can be used for a variety of purposes, such as navigation, planning, and disaster response. OSM is often compared to other map services, such as Google Maps, but is unique in that it is community-driven and open-source.
How Georepublic benefits from OpenStreetMap
Georepublic and our customers benefit from OpenStreetMap (OSM) in several ways:
- Cost savings: Using OSM data can save money on licensing fees, as the data is available under an open license.
- Customization: We can use the data and tools provided by OSM to create custom maps that meet our specific needs.
- Local knowledge: OSM data is often more detailed and up-to-date in certain areas, due to the community-driven nature of the project.
- Innovation: We can use OSM data to develop new products and services, such as routing apps, location-based services, and geospatial analysis tools.
- Community engagement: By contributing to the OSM project, we can build positive relationships with the local communities and gain visibility.
- Compliance: OSM data can be used as an alternative to commercial data, for compliance with regulations, for example, GDPR, and privacy laws.
It’s important to note that OSM data is provided “as is” and companies should assess the quality and suitability of the data for their use case, and also must comply with the open-source license of the project.
Georepublic and some of our team members are especially involved in the Japanese local chapter of OpenStreetMap .
