I can totally understand users wanting a Google Maps substitute, and I think initially that's what led to me signing up, but the access to the data that you're referring to is what has kept me contributing. But you can get that from OSM, since transmission poles, among many other obscure details, are mapped. How can you get that data from Google? You can't. You want to see how far each transmission pole was from each other so you can put it in a formula to calculate how much the wires should be thicker to resist the wind during a hurricane. Take this scenario, for instance, A hurricane has happened and the electricity went down. OSM has a lot more data than what appears on the website. The fact that OSM is open source makes it so you can use it however you want, for any purpose you want, without worrying about a company not letting you do that just in case you decide to steal their data. For example, in one of my projects I needed a dataset containing the square area of all commercial buildings in a neighborhood, to estimate how many people can be in that neighborhood to a safe level in terms of Covid. Some need very specific data that Google and Apple won't give to them. Many people need map data for their researches. What you didn't think about is other usages than the normal user. Is there support for an app that could replace monopoly apps like Google and Apple Maps, or is that just too ambitious? I’m looking forward to your reactions. Or maybe you think what I’m saying is stupid - Open Street Map isn’t meant for anything like this. Maybe you feel exactly the same way I do. An app that pleases the eye, all while keeping the OSM principles (open source, privacy protection…) in mind. I want to hear there is an app that has exactly everything I’m looking for: an app that’s intuitive and easy to use, that can do at least most things Google/Apple Maps can. Why I’m writing this never-ending post? To prove myself wrong. It’s a great app, don’t get me wrong, but it just cannot fully replace Google/Apple Maps. I cannot correct missing OSM information from within the app. It cannot provide me with bicycle directions. But it doesn’t tell me if a shop is opened. It is actually fun to use and looks gorgeous. The Transit app, for instance, let’s users get public transport directions and see when their train is coming. There are individual apps that try to provide one of the features mentioned above. You cannot post reviews of places (not my biggest concern to be honest, since Apple Maps only has a very basic thumbs-up system and reviews on Google Maps are known to be fake). POIs don’t have photos of what they look like, nor is there a way for the owner of a business to claim it (both Google and Apple allow owners to do this, which improves the chances that information is reliable). Even the official OSM website doesn’t come close: it doesn’t let me search for ‘coffee nearby’ or ‘clothing stores that are opened right now’. I don’t know any OSM app that is as versatile as Google/Apple Maps. Want to get the fastest route to work? Open Google Maps. Want to know if the supermarket around the corner is opened? Ask Siri. The problem, I believe, is the following: there is no OSM-based app to challenge Google or Apple. It makes me wonder what influence contributing to OSM really has, then. But on the other hand, the majority of people only uses Google Maps (or Apple Maps for iPhone users) to get directions or to search for a cozy coffee spot. Okay, on one hand, most people probably use at least one app or service that (partially) relies on Open Street Map (like Snapchat or Komoot). However, recently I’ve been wondering whether my contributions really help out others. Hi there! I used to like contributing to Open Street Map: the fact that OSM is open source means that I’m improving everyone’s experience, without working free-of-charge for massive monopoly corporations.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |