Nationwide open-source mapping project schedules another round of popular map editing marathons
WASHINGTON, D.C.–Apr. 12, 2013 – The U.S. chapter of OpenStreetMap (OSM), a worldwide open-source mapping project, will hold the second of its popular mapping marathons for 2013, called an “Edit-a-thon,” on April 20-21, 2013.
Sixteen cities across the country have signed up, including mapping parties to be held in San Francisco and Sunnyvale in California, Tampa Bay, Florida and Washington, D.C.
OpenStreetMap is a global volunteer effort to create a free and open map of the world. The project has more than one million contributors working around the world. OSM has developed sophisticated software and easy-to-use mapping interfaces that enables all kinds of mappers – first-timers or experienced professionals – to contribute.
The groups will begin work at about 12pm, and are expected to continue editing as a group until 6pm each evening.
The goal of these monthly meetings is to improve the United States map in specific ways. Groups are encouraged to begin by concentrating on MapRoulette Challenges, as well as their local regions, aligning streets to the satellite imagery from Bing, adding detailed information about roads including number of lanes, directions, etc..
Beyond the basics, mappers will be working to add extras notes such as speed limits and turn restrictions, enhancing the map data to ensure a richer automobile navigation experience. Attendees will also refine the map further with current data regarding retail stores, restaurants, schools and libraries.
For a complete list of sites hosting Edit-A-thons in April, please visit:
http://www.openstreetmap.us/2013/03/april-spring-editathon.
The US Chapter of OpenStreetMap is grateful to those who are providing meeting locations for this upcoming mapping event. Some of the locations include:
- Telenav Inc., a provider of personalized navigation services,, supporting locations in Sunnyvale, Calif., and Boston
- MapBox Inc., provider of a map-publishing platform for custom map uploads, , supporting the Washington, D.C., location
- Stamen Design Inc., a design and technology studio that builds maps and data visualizations, offering a San Francisco location,
- ESRI, for the event in Pasadena, CA., and other locations throughout the US
About the U.S. Chapter of OpenStreetMap
The United States Chapter of the OpenStreetMap Foundation is dedicated to improving the growth, availability and accuracy of open-source geospatial information in the United States. To achieve that important goal the U.S. Chapter, incorporated in April 2010, is working to promote and develop OpenStreetMap in the United States, and to conduct exciting new mapping projects with a focus on the United States. For more information, please visit www.openstreetmap.us .
About OpenStreetMap
OpenStreetMap (OSM) creates and provides free geographic data, such as street maps, for anyone to use. Most maps considered “free” actually have legal or technical restrictions that hold back their use in new creative or productive ways.
OpenStreetMap launched in the fall of 2004 in London. Since then the organization has grown to more than one million volunteer members worldwide. Almost daily there are meetings and new projects initiated by OSM members worldwide. In January of 2010, OSM started a special project to provide critical mapping data to support the emergency efforts following the earthquake in Haiti, a project that continues today. And, after the March 2011 tsunami in Japan OSM stepped in again to provide critical mapping data to emergency responders and government organizations.
For more information, please visit the OSM Press Portal ( http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Portal:Press#Introduction).
John Novak
OpenStreetMap, US Chapter
1-585-653-8676
Email Contact
Martijn van Exel
Board President
OpenStreetMap, US Chapter