this post was submitted on 22 Aug 2023
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Asklemmy
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Contributing to OpenStreetMap. I try to bring it up because it would be great to get more contributors to the project, but either I have to explain "It's Wikipedia, but a map" or they come out with misunderstandings about the project that aren't worth correcting. E.g not liking the icons used to display points on the map.
I also started this recently, it's quite a relaxing way to contribute to a very useful project, often in a way that is unique to your local area meaning that your contribution has quite some value despite it's small size.
Edit: That's what he said
Do you know if there is a way to force Google to update an area from it? I put my road in on openstreetmap and Google appears to have tried to merge them and made a mess.
A hill I die on is not using Google Maps. I use Openstreetmap on my phone and everything and I'm loving life.
I want delivery drivers to be able to find me though...
Are there that many delivery drivers using Google Maps though? I get the feeling they use some other programme in conjunction with their own knowledge of the area. That said, I've met people who've lived in this city for like ten years who still use the wayfinder thing on their phone, and some delivery companies these days really skimp on equipment, so I wonder.
No idea, well I have put the data out there, hopefully it actually gets used.
Have you already used the 'give feedback' button on Google Maps? I think that's the limit of what they offer. I've heard rumour that adding a business at your address makes it much more findable on Google Maps. But that might be adding misleading information. If Google started using OpenStreetMap data (they probably already do) they would have to attribute the data to the project. The big online shop named after a river has their drivers use OSM maps and they will add your driveway to the map etc themselves sometimes. So your additions to OSM will help you get some deliveries more reliably.
I want to try this. I even downloaded the apps to do it a little while back and opened them, but I realized that I need to do some reading up on it before I start knocking about. I just need to take the time to learn this. I've joined the OpenStreetMap community on Lemmy too.
Just in case you did, don't get started with 'Vespucci' it's aiming to be a tool for people already deep into OpenStreetMap. I'm three years in and it baffles me frequently. StreetComplete is amazing and Every Door and OSM Go! Are very usable. If you're on iOS, this whole post is irrelevant. I've not used those apps.
Thanks! I'm on iOS and found some recommended apps.
what kind of process do you go through to make a contribution? I could probably be into that.
An easy way is to download StreetComplete an app that breaks down contributions into easy questions about things around you.
I got started by just diving in with the editor at OpenStreetMap.org (Green button top left) and building knowledge using the OSM wiki (which is overwhelming at first)
I'll take a look, thanks.
Where would I get started? Is there a Portuguese community?
Get started with the 'edit' button at OpenStreetMap.org. There is a Portuguese community, but I'm not sure where they are most active https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Portugal