OmsAnd can seem daunting for new users. I persevered because the map info is so detailed & it works offline. On a couple of occasions my family found ourselves in a new city in a foreign country in need of food etc & OsmAnd has had the info telling us exactly what we needed & where to go thanks to the dedicated community. It encouraged me to map my own city suburb in detail to help fellow travelers.

I also love its offline Wikipedia function.

If anyone is interested, even adding a park bench or litter bin helps & is quite simple with something like StreetComplete

I love the idea I just wish it was better. Tried looking up a local restaurant that I recently ordered from, and a local car parts store, both not on there.

Communities:

1. !openstreetmap_ca@lemmy.ca | https://lemmy.world/c/openstreetmap_ca@lemmy.ca
2. !osmand@lemmy.ml | https://lemmy.world/c/osmand@lemmy.ml
3. !openstreetmap@lemmy.ml | https://lemmy.world/c/openstreetmap@lemmy.ml

Summary

1. OpenStreetMap (OSM) is a citizen-generated mapping platform that allows individuals to contribute geographic information.
2. OSM contrasts with commercial mapping services like Google Maps, which restrict access to their raw data.
3. The platform emerged from the need for open-license map data, with volunteers mapping areas using GPS units.
4. OSM has significant detail in places like London, but global coverage can be uneven.
5. Humanitarian efforts have utilized OSM, especially during crises such as the Haiti earthquake, where volunteers mapped affected areas for relief efforts.
6. OSM mapping helped organizations correlate patient origins with specific neighborhoods to address medical needs.
7. The platform continues to be used in various humanitarian crises, promoting on-the-ground surveys and local community involvement.
8. Monthly mapathons in cities like London engage volunteers in tracking satellite imagery to enhance mapping efforts.
9. OSM provides a valuable resource for developers and businesses, fostering opportunities in organizing and presenting open data.
10. The platform encourages the sharing of open data rather than hindering access to information.