Contribute Data Back to OpenStreetMaps (OSM)?

[jonfroehlich]

We used some OSM data originally in Project Sidewalk. Should we have a method to contribute collected data back into OSM?

See, for example, http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/OSM_for_the_blind

[manaswisaha]

Hmm, the link is interesting

[misaugstad]

I think that we should definitely do this after CHI! It looks like they don't really have any of the data that we are collecting (as far as I have been able to find), aside from presence of sidewalks. It looks like we would propose a set of new features/attributes be added to their database first.

See contributing to OSM and this informative page on their wiki about map features

[jonfroehlich]

Yep, I agree. And thanks for looking into this further. Let's discuss again post-CHI.

On Sun, Aug 13, 2017 at 6:03 PM, Mikey Saugstad notifications@github.com wrote:

I think that we should definitely do this after CHI! It looks like they don't really have any of the data that we are collecting (as far as I have been able to find), aside from presence of sidewalks. It looks like we would propose a set of new features/attributes be added to their database first.

See contributing to OSM http://www.volkerschatz.com/net/osm/osmcontrib.html and this informative page on their wiki about map features http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Map_Features#Man_made

— You are receiving this because you authored the thread. Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub https://github.com/ProjectSidewalk/SidewalkWebpage/issues/959#issuecomment-322070361, or mute the thread https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/ABi-9dZciZOnO1aHoRHfLyc57262vmLjks5sX3K7gaJpZM4Oyl06 .

-- Jon Froehlich Assistant Professor Computer Science University of Maryland, College Park http://www.cs.umd.edu/~jonf/ @jonfroehlich https://twitter.com/jonfroehlich - Twitter

[jonfroehlich]

This was originally brought up in https://github.com/ProjectSidewalk/SidewalkWebpage/issues/392 (but has always been part of the original goals of PS). I still think it's a high priority and should be generally part of the PS mission. Yes, our data is currently open but is it highly visible and usable by the GIS (and other related communities)? I'd be curious to know if this came up in any of @manaswis's recent interviews.

[manaswisaha]

No, our data being used by others didn't come up in the interviews.

[misaugstad]

I agree that it is high priority. My plan was to give this to an intern later in the summer to work on once they have a strong familiarity with our data. @htadeusiak could also potentially start working on this soon.

[htadeusiak]

I have discussed with @misaugstad and have decided to un assign myself to focus on other issues.

This is the most import source I found: https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Import/Guidelines It walks you through the general steps of importing data back to the OSM.

Another link: https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Import It consists of all links useful for importing mass data.

I did use OSM to get familiar with what data they collect. It seems the only labels we share with OSM is 'Tree', 'Fire hydrant', and 'Waste basket/trash can' from our object tags. So as far as what we do with curb ramps, surface problems, and missing curb ramps labels is up in the air. They do have a sidewalk tag where you drag a line where a sidewalk is to add it:

We could use curb ramps data as indicators that there is a sidewalk there, but I believe they would have to code it from their end. The most useful information we could provided them are lines where sidewalks do exist, but getting that from our data is a complex task. I probably think the best option is to email them and ask what they would want from our data. They could potential create new labels that incorporate more of ours, but their interface isn't really meant to have users add curb ramps labels because they don't drop them down into a street view.

As of right now, I don't think our data is that useful to OSM. Open Street Maps seems to be more oriented on collecting information about buildings and streets on not such a detailed level. However, if they were to add more labels that closely matched ours, then I could see our data becoming more useful. Like I said earlier, it's probably best to ask them and see if they would find the information useful.

[jonfroehlich]

Thanks @htadeusiak. This investigation and report is useful (even if you didn't complete the task). Did you check out: https://www.opensidewalks.com/

[htadeusiak]

One thing I forgot to mention in the above post is we can also import our no sidewalk labels.

and ahh, no I forgot that was the other source you recommended. I did look briefly right now. This plan would be great to base ours on when we decide to contribute data. https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Proposed_features/sidewalk_schema When reading over their plan they proposed to add "kerb/curb" as a new sidewalk feature...

Actually I just found it, OSM spells curb as "kerb"(I just looked up why, apparently the rest of the world spells it this way outside of North America). So we could add our missing curb ramps in addition to the labels I mentioned before.

So after discovering this I take back what I said early about our data not being useful to OSM. If we're able to add missing curb ramps and no sidewalks, I feel like our data would be useful. I would also recommend proposing in our plan to add a curb ramp feature.

[misaugstad]

https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Legal_FAQ#2a._Can_I_trace_data_from_Google_Maps.2FNokia_Maps.2F....3F

[misaugstad]

Bing has explictly granted OSM permission to use their "Streetside" imagery in a limited capacity. It could be worthwhile to look into something like that https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Bing_Maps#Streetside_imagery

[misaugstad]

@jonfroehlich the two links above (from the OSM wiki) describe how Google imagery can't be used, and what the agreement with Bing looks like for using their streetside imagery.

[jonfroehlich]

Right, I see Google Street View is specifically mentioned as a data source that OSM users cannot draw from (link).

I'm going to email a few of my Google contacts and investigate if/how we could integrate Project Sidewalk data into OSM.

[misaugstad]

Had another request for this through our survey on the Explore page. Sep 27, 2023 on Seattle server:

I'd love to see OSM integration where information about the safety crossings can also be identified. (Is the crossing marked, are there crossing lights for pedestrian, are there lights for the vehicles, etc.