OpenStreetMap

What is OpenStreetMap?

OpenStreetMap is a free, editable map of the whole world built largely by volunteers and released with an open-content license. It gives free or almost free access to map images and underlying data, and its collaborative, wiki-style editing means the map keeps improving.

Key features of OpenStreetMap

• Wiki-style collaborative editing of map data.
• Contribution of GPS tracks.
• Aerial imagery from sources such as Bing for tracing.
• Online iD editor and JOSM desktop editor.
• Open-source infrastructure.
• Free access to map data for reuse.

Who uses OpenStreetMap?

OpenStreetMap is used by developers, humanitarian groups, researchers, companies and hobbyists who need open map data or want to contribute to it. Many apps build maps and routing on its data.

OpenStreetMap pricing

OpenStreetMap data is free to use under its open license, and editing is free. The OpenStreetMap Foundation handles fund-raising and server maintenance, and commercial map services built on OSM data may charge their own fees.

OpenStreetMap alternatives

Common alternatives to OpenStreetMap include Google Maps, Mapbox and HERE. Google Maps and others are proprietary, while OpenStreetMap offers open data you can download and reuse.