OpenStreetMap as an efficient data source for mapping
OpenStreetMap, a free online map service, is a great database for navigation and mapping. komoot’s maps and route planner are also based on these maps. Their collection of geodata works similarly to Wikipedia. Independent users continuously contribute to the database, which is free for public use. Today, the OSM community consists of about 11 million people who constantly contribute, review and update data. It’s not surprising that komoot and many other platforms use this great service.
What is OpenStreetMap (OSM) and why does komoot use this platform?
OpenStreetMap is an open-source platform that collects freely available geodata in a structured, uniform format. The users of thousands of websites, mobile apps and hardware devices benefit from this data and any related information.
OSM is driven by numerous volunteer “mappers” who contribute information about streets, trails, forests, rivers, cafés, train stations and other geographic data to the software. In addition, aerial images, GPS data and low-tech field maps are used to verify if the provided data is accurate and up to date.
At komoot, we have been using OSM ever since our beginnings. Recently, we have also joined the OSM Foundation to actively support the advancement of OpenStreetMap.
OpenStreetMap is an extraordinary project and one of the cornerstones that has made komoot in its present form possible. We are very proud to now support this project as a committed Gold Member of the OSM Foundation.
5 reasons why you should use OpenStreetMap
We provide you with five good reasons why your company can benefit from using OSM in the promotion of outdoor content and why actively contributing to the database pays off:
- OpenStreetMap has about 11 million registered users that generate millions of new data points every month. At the moment, the platform holds more than 900 million entered ways.
- All data is freely available, and there are no license fees. All you need is time for editing.
- Almost all navigation apps and numerous digital map services are based on OSM, including Strava, Bergfex, maps.me and Outdooractive. In addition, companies like Apple and Garmin use the platform.
- If geographic data changes, you only have to update it once in OpenStreetMap. Any modifications will automatically be transferred to all applications using this data. komoot data is updated on a weekly basis.
- 99 % of all hikers use apps based on OSM for their tour planning and on-site navigation. By editing data in this system, you make sure that it’s publicly available.
In short: Unlike other services like Google Maps, OSM data can be used free of charge. Plus, the data is more up-to-date, owing to the huge and committed OpenStreetMap community.
Become an expert in using OpenStreetMap
To make it easier for our partners to use OSM, our komoot Academy offers a special module about this topic, in which we share useful skills and knowledge about OSM content, our route planner and maps. After completing this module, you will know everything about OSM and how you can enter and edit data yourself. Good to know: The module is available in German and English.
Sounds good? Book your free training session and become a certified community expert!
If you have any questions about registering for the module or about using OpenStreetMap, do not hesitate to contact us!
