The historical development of OSM data can be accessed through the ohsome Dashboard. This webpage generates accurate statistics about the evolution of OSM data for custom or predefined regions worldwide.
For example, we can have a look at the temporal evolution of OSM building data in the area of Prešov (Slovakia) by applying the following filters in the ohsome Dashboard interface (figure 7): (1) Choose the study area by selecting the administrative boundaries of Prešov in the interactive map. (2) Choose the tags of interest by typing “building” as the Key and “yes” as Value. (3) Specify all three OSM types, i.e., “node”, “way”, and “relation”. (4) Specify as Measure type “count”. (5) Define the result grouping as “none”. (6) Keep the default period (start date: 2007-10-08, end date: current day) and temporal aggregation, i.e., “monthly”. (7) Finally, press Send Request to query the database.
The result will be displayed in the Result Log section, below the Filter section. Specifically, a summary of the request filters is displayed (8) as well as a graph representing the evolution of the OSM building count (9). Finally, there is the possibility to export the result in CSV and Ohsome JSON formats (10).
OpenStreetMap uses three basic data structures to represent physical features on the ground: nodes, ways, and relations. Nodes are the most basic data structure and represent a single point in space. They can be used to represent things like individual streetlights, fire hydrants, or trees. Ways are used to represent linear features, such as roads or rivers. A way is a series of connected nodes that create a line or path. For example, a road might be represented as a way made up of multiple nodes that define its shape and length. Relations are used to represent more complex features that cannot be easily represented as a single way or node. A relation can be thought of as a container that holds multiple nodes and ways and describes the relationship between them. For example, a park might be represented as a relation that contains multiple ways for the different paths and roads within the park, as well as nodes for various features like benches, fountains, or playgrounds. The following are examples of these data structures:
Node: This example shows the representation of a node, indicating where a public bench is present (Fig. 6a)
Way: This example shows the representation of a way, indicating where a building is present (Fig. 6b)
Relation: This example shows the representation of a relation, indicating the grouping of buildings with elements inside it (Fig. 6c)
More information can be found at the WikiOSM website.
In OSM, tagging is the process of assigning descriptive metadata to geographic features (such as roads, buildings, and natural features) drawn before on the map. This metadata is used to describe the attributes and characteristics of the feature, such as its name, type, size, and other relevant information.
Every feature must be described at least by one tag. The number of tags needed to describe a feature in OSM varies depending on the complexity of the feature and the level of detail required. Some features may only require a few basic tags to describe their type, while others may require dozens of tags to accurately capture all of their attributes.
The correct way to tag features in OSM involves using a specific syntax and following established conventions for each type of feature. This ensures consistency and compatibility with other OSM data and helps to maintain the quality and accuracy of the map.
To tag a feature in OSM, you need to specify the feature's type (e.g. highway, building, natural), and then add a series of key-value pairs that describe the feature's attributes. For example, to tag a secondary school in OpenStreetMap, you can use the following key-value pairs:
amenity=school
school=secondary
This assigns the key "amenity" with the value "school" to indicate that the feature is a school, and the key "school" with the value "secondary" to indicate that it is a secondary school.
In addition to these basic tags, you can also include other key-value pairs to provide more detailed information about the school, such as its name, address, telephone number, website, and so on:
amenity=school
school=secondary
name=Name of the Secondary School
address=Address of the School
phone= phone number of the School
website=http://www.secondaryschool.com
To tag a building:
building=yes
This assigns the key "building" with the value "yes" to indicate that the feature is a building. In addition to this basic tag, other key-value pairs to provide more detailed information about the building can be added, such as its name, type, address, and so on:
building=yes
building:levels=4
building:material=brick
name= name of the building (if any)
address= address of the building
The "building:levels" tag specifies the number of levels or stories in the building, and the "building:material" tag specifies the material of which the building is constructed. The "name" tag specifies the name of the building, and the "address" tag specifies its address. It is also possible to add more detailed information about specific parts of the building, such as entrances, windows, and so on. This can be done using tags such as "entrance", "window", "roof", and so on.
To tag a road as a primary highway, you would use the following syntax:
highway=primary
and then you can add much more specifications.
There are many established conventions for how to tag different types of features in OSM, and these are documented in the OSM Wiki. The conventions cover everything from basic features like roads and buildings to more complex features like transit systems and land use.
It is important to follow the established conventions as closely as possible when tagging features in OSM. This helps to ensure that your data is accurate, consistent, and compatible with other OSM data, making it more useful for everyone who uses the map.
For questions related to tagging, the best way to get help is to use the OSM community resources available online.
Here are some of the most popular websites where you can find information about how to tag in OSM:
The OpenStreetMap Wiki: This is the official wiki for OpenStreetMap and contains a wealth of information on how to tag various features in OSM. The wiki is constantly updated by the OSM community and is a great resource for learning about tagging conventions, best practices, and other aspects of mapping in OSM. You can access the OSM Wiki at https://wiki.openstreetmap.org.
Taginfo: This is a website that provides a simple interface for searching and browsing OSM tags. You can search for a specific tag or browse by tag category to learn more about how to tag different types of features in OSM. It also provides statistical information about OSM tags, including how often they are used and which features they are used to tag. Taginfo is a useful tool for understanding the prevalence and popularity of different tags in OSM. You can access OSM Tags at https://taginfo.openstreetmap.org/.
Map Features: This is another website that provides information about how to tag different types of features in OSM. Map Features provides a comprehensive list of feature types, along with recommended tags and descriptions for each type. You can access Map Features at https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Map_Features.
Another option is to use the OSM mailing lists, which are email-based discussion forums where OSM contributors can ask questions, share information, and discuss various topics related to mapping in OSM.
The most appropriate mailing list to contact for questions related to OSM tagging is the Tagging mailing list. This list is dedicated to discussions about OSM tagging and is a great resource for getting help with specific tagging questions, discussing tagging conventions and standards, and staying up-to-date with changes to OSM tagging.
Here is the link for subscribing to the Tagging mailing list: https://lists.openstreetmap.org/listinfo/tagging
OpenStreetMap (OSM) is a project that makes free maps of the world available to everyone. These maps can be used for all kinds of purposes without any restrictions, like exploring new places, creating travel plans, or building apps. The project began because many other maps that people think are free have rules that limit how they can be used. By providing unrestricted access to geographic data, OSM enables people to use maps in creative, productive, and unexpected ways.
OpenStreetMap is a great tool that allows you to use maps and data for free. However, two conditions must be followed. Firstly, you need to give proper credit to OpenStreetMap for any use of their maps or data. Secondly, if you make any corrections or improvements to the maps, you need to share them back with the project.
OpenStreetMap has experienced rapid growth over time due to its openness and availability of information and data. This is evident from Fig. 2, which shows the number of registered users over time. The graph displays an exponential increase in the number of users. This growth can be attributed to the fact that OpenStreetMap provides a valuable resource for many different types of users, including researchers, developers, and everyday people who need access to accurate and up-to-date geographic information. With the continued growth of OpenStreetMap, we can expect even more exciting developments and innovations in the future. More information about OSM and statistics about its use can be found at the WikiOSM Stats website.
OpenStreetMap is open, licensed under the Open Data Commons Open Database License (ODbL) by the OpenStreetMap Foundation (OSMF). You are free to copy, distribute, transmit and adapt OSM data, as credit is given to OpenStreetMap and its contributors. If data is altered or built upon, the result has to be distributed only under the same license (see Fig. 3). For more information access the following link: https://www.openstreetmap.org/copyright.
UN Mappers is a community of mapping enthusiasts who collaborate to gather, verify and distribute geospatial open data in regions where the United Nations conducts field operations. The community is very diverse, including UN personnel, academia (high schools and universities), local communities, NGOs, and volunteers around the globe. The goal of this initiative is to provide more precise location-based data to support decision-making processes. Mapping the world, supporting peace, and serving humanity are their motto.
As a part of the UN Maps project, UN Mappers seek to enhance topographic and operational data in UN missions. This includes providing peacekeeping and humanitarian actors with better maps, operational geo-information, search and navigation tools, as well as imagery and street-level base maps.
UN Mappers uses the OpenStreetMap (OSM) platform to support their initiatives. They create OSM projects where members can contribute by mapping topographic features. Topographic features which are easy to map include residential areas, villages, highways, and waterways, while the more complex ones include the land cover and land use. Therefore, both beginners and advanced mappers can contribute. UN Mappers is an inclusive community that welcomes participation from anyone who wishes to contribute to the cause of promoting peace and security through open mapping.
UN Mappers supports collaborative events which are fundamental for the production of open data. Collaborative events include mapathons and training. Mapathons are mapping 'hackathons' where beginner or advanced mappers meet up to map together. Training consists of structured presentations to acquire specific editing skills while editing on the mapping projects, for example, basic OSM skills, advanced editing topics, and field mapping (Fig. 9 displays a photo of training performed with university students in Italy).
Anyone can participate in UN Mappers and contribute to promoting peace and security through open mapping. You can find out how to start contributing and becoming a mapping expert using UN Maps Learning Hub, the UN Mappers educational platform that offers courses on OSM editing, tests, and certificates. Join the community today!
OpenStreetMap (OSM) offers a comprehensible web application with several capabilities and functionalities. When opening the website at https://www.openstreetmap.org/ the interface that is displayed in Fig. 4 will appear, showing the main OSM interface. For this tutorial, we will divide the elements of the interface into 2 categories:
In blue, are the platform functionalities and auxiliary links: Authentication buttons (1), Menu Bar (2), and the Editing and exporting bar (3).
In red, map controls: The main map (4), Search bar (5), and Map Controls (6).
OSM is a crowd-sourced map that receives contributions from thousands of users worldwide. To use the map and request data from the database it is not necessary to have an account but to add new features and edit existing ones, it is necessary to be authenticated. The authentication buttons contain the “Log In” button to log in to an existing account, and the “Sign Up” button to create an account.
The “Log In” allows users to be authenticated using existing credentials. Logging in unlocks the Editing capabilities that are going to be explained in point 3.
The “Sign Up” button takes the user to the registration page. After setting your credentials, confirming your email, and accepting the terms of service, you should be ready to Log In and use the editing capabilities of OSM.
The menu bar contains links to different pages within OSM that provide additional functionalities outside of the mapping realm and information related to OSM activities.
GPS Traces: Users can upload GPS traces to OSM from a GPS device. On this page, a list of all the public GPS traces uploaded by users can be found.
User Diaries: Similar to a blog where users can post their user stories and interact with the community via comments.
Communities: Information on the OSM local chapters and groups over the world.
Copyright: Information about copyright and licensing, including information on how to credit OSM, links to the full licenses, and the list of contributors.
Help: Page with links to several resources regarding the OSM functionalities and activities, such as forums, guides, discussions on mapping topics, and the Wiki.
About: General information on what is OpenStreetMap.
This bar contains the editing and exporting functionalities of the OSM platform, as well as the editing history showing all the edits made by OSM users.
Editing: The edition consists in adding or changing the features of the OSM map. This means that anyone can change the look of the OSM map, keeping it updated. The easier way to edit the map is through the in-browser editor directly on the platform map. The editing tool adds to the map a layer containing satellite imagery and activates the editing tools. This allows the user to draw features (points, lines, or polygons) that match real-life objects. Fig. 5 shows the map editing interface.
History: Show the entire list of changes in the OSM database. It includes information on the user that made the edit, the date, and the comments of other users.
Exporting: This tool allows the user to export OSM map features in an area set by the user. By default, OSM downloads data using their format, but it is possible to use other platforms such as Overpass Turbo or Planet OSM to filter and get data in other formats that could be used in different software or on a web page, or to download the whole database.
4. The main map
The main map displays a web map that shows what the user has selected using the map controls that will be shown in point 6.
The Search bar allows users to search places in the OSM database. It works by typing a word and clicking on “Go” or pressing enter. The search then fetches the most similar features on the OSM database and shows them as a list.
The search tool also allows getting routes from one place to another, similar to Google Maps or Waze, using different providers for Foot, Car, or Bicycle such as GraphHopper, OSRM, and Valhalla.
Map controls contain several additional map functionalities to navigate and change the map visualization.
Zoom controls: Zoom in and zoom out of the map;
Show my location: Inserts a marker on the map in your position (provided by the device you are using), and centre the map to the position;
Layers: Allow users to change the base map and add additional layers provided by OSM. The base maps provided are the Standard OSM map, CyclOSM and Cycle Map contain data on cycling paths all over the world, the Transport Map and ÖPNVKarte show public transport facilities and the Humanitarian focuses on resources useful for citizens and humanitarian organizations in emergencies. Other interesting layers include the “map notes” which show notes added by the community, and “map data”, which loads the map features as vectors;
Map Key: Map legend. Only available for some map layers;
Share: Options for exporting and sharing the map. The map can be exported as a link to the OSM map, an embedded web page, and an image;
Add a note to the map: Allow users to insert map notes for pointing out mistakes in the map or report that something is missing;
Query Features: Allows to obtain vector features from the OSM database. It queries the database looking for features near a selected point;
