Open Street Map (OSM): Getting the most out of your TDM software

Rob Ludwig is RideAmigos’ backend developer. He shares some insight into how powerful a tool Open Street Map (OSM) can be, and how to maintain its high quality.

What Does it Do?

• Free, open map of the planet with metadata.
• Essentially a “Wikipedia” for geodata.
• Uses the open database license.
• Users can edit map info with streets, sidewalks, trails, and other features.
• Provides local, on-the-ground knowledge.
• Really available for use in commercial and noncommercial products.
• Allows hundreds of different public transportation tags, along with roads and ways tags.

How to Maintain High Quality Data

• Look at underlying OSM data when routing is counter-intuitive.
• Participate in shaping data formats: new tags.
• Encourage community participation, even if it’s armchair mapping.
• Participate in and sponsor “Mapathons.”

The Benefits of Good OSM Data

• Thousands of small, medium, and large apps use it.
• Heavily used in academic settings.
• A “Wikipedia” for most landmarks and cities.
• Many humanitarian organizations use OSM after natural disasters occur to get the most accurate form of geodata on the area affected. (example: nepal 2015 earthquake)

TDM is about routing and showing your commuter options, so with better data from Open Street Map we’re able to provide better options.