What is Open Street Map?What is Open Street Map?

It is different to Google Maps because the data it is free. This makes it better that applications like Google Maps since it can be used in new and inventive ways without having to worry about lawsuits or other unpleasant occurrences.

Is a service driven by the world map.  It takes data taken from GPS tracking devices and turns it into information that is publicly available for any one to use for any reason.

Open Street Map also works in connection with Yahoo.

Who?Who?

Open Street Maps was setup by Steve Coast in July 2004.

He lives in San Francisco but users of his services are all over the world I found out that Steve Coast has setup many more open source software’s such as CloudMade, OpenGeo Data, freethepostcode and mapstaraction.

Why?Open Street Map simply started because Steve Coast wanted a map,he had a USB GPS and a laptop but all the solutions for placing yourself on a map were either expensive or infringed copyright. And he though it seemed a simple idea to wander around with a GPS and build my own map.

CompetitorsCompetitorsOpen Street Maps has many competitors such as Google Maps.

The advantages of Google Maps are it offers a street view and directions service which Open Street Maps doesn’t.

Example of Google Street View

Disadvantages of Google Maps to Open Street Maps are on Open Street Maps you can add your own maps and own findings without getting in trouble but on Google you can’t.

Improvements That Could Be Improvements That Could Be MadeMade

Improvements that could be made to Open Street Maps could be that making the homepage of the website more eye catching.

www.openstreetmap.org

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