Friends of OpenStreetMap

You've probably heard of OpenStreetMap. Hopefully you're also using CoMaps, OsmAnd, OsmAPP.org, Cartes.app, and MapComplete.org as privacy-respecting Google Maps replacements.

OpenStreetMap is good for many things, but it's not meant for data that changes frequently (like traffic data), or data that is subjective (like ratings and reviews), or data that doesn't suit the OSM data model (like photos, or public transport timetables).

In this talk, I'll introduce you to the various libre crowdsourced databases which fill in these gaps:

1. A database of cell towers, WiFi access points, and Bluetooth beacons, which you can use to replace Google Location Services/Apple Location Services.

2. A database of ratings, reviews, and photographs.

3. A service for users to report road closures, traffic congestion, etc.

4. A database of public transport routes and timetables.

5. A database of all kinds of media, including photos.

6. A database of open environmental data - temperature, humidity, AQI, noise, etc.

7. A database of drone imagery.

8. A federated database of street-level imagery, including 360° photos.

• There are numerous freedom-respecting data projects which complement OpenStreetMap.

• If enough of us contribute to them, we can end our dependence on monopolistic services.

• The main thing required is for more people to contribute data.

• Developers can help by integrating these services into OpenStreetMap-based freedom-respecting software.