this post was submitted on 14 Apr 2024
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At least for the more fundamental information like paths or trails this is true. I only really get to map stuff when in holidays abroad, because here you have to check a 100 times if something is mapped to find a handful of chances to contribute anything, which has a frustrating feel to it π
Have you heard of Streetcomplete? If not it's an app which turns OSM mapping into a game of sorts.
It shows bubbles for missing information at your current location. I.e. what's the surface type of this particular road or way? What kind of parking lot is this? What are the opening hours of this shop?
Yes I know it, and sometimes use it for a little. But the vast majority of things it presents to complete to me feel rather unimportant. My leisure time isn't exactly plenty, and then I rather do other things I see more value in. Even surface type is mapped most of the time, and I don't take the effort to map surface quality because it is not used for anything. Maybe I'll make an App at some point that infers surface quality automatically while road biking from the acceleration sensor in the phone mounted to the handlebar...
Just so you know. It can be invaluable to disabled people trying to get around.
Myself. With visual impairment. Where my vision can change drematically from day to day.
Knowing the surface quality can let me know if a route can be done with just a cane. Or if on a bad day I am better off just going a longer route. Or waiting till a better day.
Please remember what seems unimportant to you. Can be absolutely essential to others less able to answer the questions then yourself.
@HumanPenguin @skilltheamps I'm totally curious about how many apps, or services depend directly on the field terrain quality or any other accessibility data on OSM. Is there a lot of people that use it on his daily life, or is it there other data sources that are bigger or more used than OSM?
I use it via osm directly when available. Others will likely start to develop apps that use such data. Once enough people bother to provide it.
There are many many apps developed specifically to aid disabled people. But as the people using those apps are often the least able to gather the data. It is down to people with more mobility to provide data before it can practically be used by developers.
I do my best when in an area and my vision is more available. Although its always pretty crap. At the better times I can at least tell the surface.
Unfortunately OS data is one of those things. You need the horse before the cart. So it requires people to understand potential uses rather then actual use at the time.
As the idea of the data is to be available to less resourced developers. As well as OS ideals in genral. It is unreasonable to only expect data to be of value if you see a value today.
PS I am in no way suggesting you are wrong for how you choose to use your time. It is yours and its value can onlybe judged by yourself.
I am just trying to point out that the data you see little value in. Can be important to others. Either now for those with some technical inclination. Or in the future if gathered by those willing to consider it.
@HumanPenguin thank you, now I will see more value in those tasks that looked too "trivial" or too specific for someone to care.
You can turn off tasks which you don't want to do.