Book Image

OpenStreetMap

Book Image

OpenStreetMap

Overview of this book

Imagine being able to create accurate maps that look how you want them to, and use them on the Web or in print, for free. OpenStreetMap allows exactly that, with no restrictions on how or where you use your maps. OpenStreetMap is perfect for businesses that want to include maps on their website or in publications without paying high fees. With this book in hand you have the power to make, alter, and use this geographical data in a collaborative way from anywhere on the Earth.OpenStreetMap was started because most maps you think of as free actually have legal or technical restrictions on their use, holding back people from using them in creative, productive, or unexpected ways. This book will allow you to take control of your own maps and use them smoothly. This book introduces the reader to the OpenStreetMap project and shows you how to participate in the project, and make use of the data it provides. No prior knowledge of the project is assumed, and technical details are kept to a minimum.In this book, you'll learn how easy it is to add your neighborhood to OpenStreetMap using inexpensive GPS equipment, or even no GPS at all. You'll find out how to communicate with other mappers working in the same area, and where to find more information about how to map the world around you.Once you have your area mapped, you'll learn how to turn this information into maps, whether for use in print or online, large or small, and with the details you want shown. The book describes several rendering methods, each suited to different types of map, and takes you through a tutorial on each one.
Table of Contents (17 chapters)
OpenStreetMap
Credits
About the Author
About the Reviewers
Preface
4
How OpenStreetMap Records Geographical Features
Index

Getting your traces into the right format


Once you've completed your mapping, you need to get the information off your receiver and into the right format. The simplest ways of getting traces off your GPS are using a direct cable connection or a removable memory card. Some recent receivers can act as USB mass storage devices, allowing you to get your traces onto your PC with a simple file copy. For older units, you may have to use the software that came with your GPS.

OpenStreetMap only accepts traces in GPS Exchange format (GPX)—an XML vocabulary for traces and waypoints. You can find out more about the GPX vocabulary at http://www.topografix.com/gpx.asp. OpenStreetMap also only accepts GPX files with timestamps on each trackpoint in the trace. This is to prevent mappers from uploading traces that have been converted from an existing map database, which will usually be subject to copyright and will therefore, not be suitable for use in OpenStreetMap. This doesn't present a problem most of...