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

Creating your account


To register, go to http://www.openstreetmap.org/, and choose sign up in the top right-hand corner. This will take you to the following registration form:

At present, you only really need an account on openstreetmap.org if you're planning to contribute mapping data to the project. Outside the main site and API, only the forums and issue tracker use the same username and password as openstreetmap.org. You don't need to register to download data, export maps, or subscribe to the mailing lists. Conversely, even if you're not planning to do any mapping, there are still good reasons to register at the site, such as the ability to contact and be contacted by other mappers.

OpenStreetMap doesn't allow truly anonymous editing of data. The OSM community decided to disallow this in 2007, so that any contributors could be contacted if necessary. If you're worried about privacy, you can register using a pseudonym, and this will be the only identifying information used for your account...