OpenStreetMap is a project that creates and distributes free geographic data for the world. It was started because most maps you think of as free actually have legal or technical restrictions on their use, holding back people from using them in creative, productive, or unexpected ways.

OpenStreetMap is a free, editable map of the whole world that is being built by volunteers largely from scratch and released with an open-content license. OpenStreetMap License allows free (or almost free) access to map images and all underlying map data. The project aims to promote new and interesting uses of this data.

The Map

Individuals, governments and commercial companies have already begun putting this data to use, and in many countries, for many uses, OpenStreetMap is a viable alternative to other map providers. However the map isn't finished yet. The world is a big place.

Mapping

This is not just an online project. Volunteers are surveying towns and countryside to create our maps. This is very much a community mapping effort. If you have a GPS unit you can contribute any tracks you have recorded. 

The OpenStreetMap Foundation

The OpenStreetMap Foundation is an organization that performs fund-raising. One major expense is acquiring and maintaining the servers that host the OpenStreetMap project. While the foundation supports the project, it does not control the project or "own" the OSM data. The foundation is dedicated to encouraging the growth, development and distribution of free geospatial data and to providing geospatial data for anyone to use and share.

Interested in joining the OpenStreetMap project?

Register for free at www.openstreetmap.org