Maps-Replacement (OpenStreetMap)

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I just had an idea for a replacement of the maps-application: OpenStreetMap.

OpenStreetMap is a collaboratively-made map of the whole world, the data is
free as in free-speech.

There are also some map-views available, a very good one is the map-view
from AndNav2. It features everything from Google Maps and some more (Spin
the map according to the compass etc.)

The availability of the "raw"-data instead of just images allows developers
and mappers to create really cool things, like the OpenCycleMap
(http://www.opencyclemap.org/), a map specialized for bicycles, or
"ÖpnvKarte" (http://www.öpnvkarte.de/ currently only available for Europe),
a map which shows detailed information for the public transport.

I would really like to see such a replacement for the maps-app. Not only
because of the lawyers of Google, but also for the spirit of OpenSource.

Original issue reported on code.google.com by ulrich.moritz on 29 Sep 2009 at 2:03

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Sorry, I've overseen that there is already a ticket for a map-like application. 
But I
think my arguments for OSM should nonetheless stay here.

Original comment by ulrich.moritz on 29 Sep 2009 at 2:40

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OpenStreetMap is lacking in many countries outside US, providing outdated data 
and
only capital cities. Google Maps is much more powerful as it is struck deals to
update it's roadmap with local publishers through TeleAtlas.

Original comment by rayner...@gmail.com on 29 Sep 2009 at 3:14

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Yeah, but anyone can contribute to it... Germany, for example, is almost 
complete.
The Netherlands are even more detailed than Germany. OSM has also much more 
small
ways, especially in popular hiking areas.

Maybe something like the ability to switch between different map-providers 
would do
it? (As shown in AndNav2)

Original comment by ulrich.moritz on 29 Sep 2009 at 3:19

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I am very positive towards plugin open infrasturcture where providers can be
exchanged systemwise. If developers agree to develop that way, I am totally for
OpenStreetMap being part of the available providers. But if not, I wish Google 
Maps
is not ignored as in the long-run it's a critical decision that might provide 
unwise. 

Original comment by rayner...@gmail.com on 29 Sep 2009 at 3:23

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Please note that the Google Maps ToS doesn't allow you to use the tiles 
"manually"; you 
must use one of the approved Google Maps APIs or clients. So it would be a 
violation of 
the Google Maps ToS to write a custom front-end that loads tiles itself.

Original comment by morri...@gmail.com on 29 Sep 2009 at 6:10

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AndNav2 (mentioned above) is based on osmdroid 
(http://code.google.com/p/osmdroid/),
which is LGPL. So basically osmdroid just needs some cleanup to act as an 
end-user
app instead of as a developer example. Someone is already working on that 
polishing.

Original comment by misc2...@danielnaber.de on 29 Sep 2009 at 9:51

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[deleted comment]

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... I already posted this under enhancements, then I saw this thread so I am 
posting
it here again for completeness.

Hello,

its funny, but I had not heard of openstreetmap.org before googles  cease & 
decist
story...

I have started working with openstreetmap and like it much better than google 
maps,
the detail and Information in openstreemap is nothing short of amazing. I have
checked some areas in Germany that I know very well and I have found that the 
detail
and resolution of Openstreetmap is far greater than google maps. A few samples:

Darmstadt Technical (TU)University Campus is in Openstreetmap in full detail,
including  the labeled Buildings, sports facilities etc,  googlemaps is empty. 

Openstreetmap includes Parking spaces, no such thing in google maps. 

Openstreetmap includes Bicycle routes and even foot trails for hiking. No such 
detail
in Google maps. 

In general I can zoom in much deeper in openstreetmap than in googlemaps and 
always
find incredible detail where googlemaps is much more featureless, or has just 
blank
space.  

Please have a look at Frankfurt/Main Airport. In openstreetmap I can see the
individual Terminal Buildings easily, I have a hard time seeing the new 
Terminal 2 in
Google maps, its actually not possible to see where it is. 

Then please have a look to the southside of the Airport, where the U.S. Airbase 
used
to be (Gateway to Europe). Googlemaps has a lot of blank space... openstreetmap 
has
very many features and full detail.   

Then have a look to the northwest of the Airport, Openstreemap already includes 
the
new Runway. Googlemaps has a blank space. 

Judge for yourself what you consider to be surperior  and up-to-date 
information.    

What I really like about openstreetmap is I can edit it and add my own GPS 
traces to
it, if I find something important is missing or not up-to-date. 

Probably some remote areas still need some tracing and work, but this is 
certainly
worthwhile and its and ongoing thing and many Enthusiast's are supporting it. 

Googlemaps has pictures. This is something that needs to be added to 
Openstreetmap in
an elegant way, like maybe an integration with Flickr.com.

Cheers

p.s. openstreetmap has one VERY BIG advantage, it is open. "What this means to 
you
(and this isn't legal advice) is basically you can do what you like with the 
data, so
long as you mention the original creator and the licence and anyone else can do 
the
same with anything you produce."

OpenStreetMap data can be used freely under the terms of the Creative Commons
Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 license.

OpenStreetMap software is licensed under the GNU GPL. 

OK enough said. 

Original comment by 2Ca...@googlemail.com on 6 Oct 2009 at 12:02

[GoogleCodeExporter]

I just found a map-programm called rMap. It supports all these things we want to
support here (Multiple map-sources, OpenStreetMap, compass-mode). It's also 
possible
to save maps on the sd-card for offline use.

I think you should ask the developer if he want to contribute to this project. 
His
blog is at http://robertdeveloper.blogspot.com/

Original comment by ulrich.moritz on 6 Oct 2009 at 12:06