Download vector/obf map from URL

[raboof]

Describe the idea (required)

Allow downloading 3rd-party vector data from a URL.

Currently, only maps from https://download.osmand.net can be downloaded in the 'Maps & Resources' menu. While it is possible to create offline vector maps yourself, it looks like actually importing those into OsmAnd is rather cumbersome.

It would be great if downloading a 3rd-party map/resource from a URL was possible from within OsmAnd.

Tell us about the expected behaviour (required)

For the https://why2025.org hacker camp, we would love to give visitors an amazing OsmAnd experience by mapping the temporary infrastructure and telling people how to import that into OsmAnd.

Tell us about alternatives you've considered (required)

We could provide the additional information as a raster tile overlay and/or a set of POIs.

Raster information does not show up in 'search', and labels added in raster tiles are not adapted to the current map rotation. POIs do show up in search, but are less discoverable when viewing the map, and look less attractive.

Context (optional)

If this seems like a feature that has a chance of being adopted, I can try and help implement it (even though I'm not a particularly experienced Android developer).

[Max1234-Ita]

Unfortunately OsmAnd uses its proprietary map format (.obf), as other apps for navigation and cartography do.

Openstreetmaps distributes the data in raw format, which anyone can get for free form https://download.geofabrik.de/: every app, then, converts them in order to use the needed information.

So, basically, to use maps from another application, say Organic Maps, OsmAnd should be provided with a converter/interpreter for that format, and the same should be done for each app from which you want to use data.

I'm not a OsmAnd developer adn don't think it will ever be possible, but who knows.

[raboof]

Unfortunately OsmAnd uses its proprietary map format (.obf), as other apps for navigation and cartography do.

Openstreetmaps distributes the data in raw format, which anyone can get for free form https://download.geofabrik.de/: every app, then, converts them in order to use the needed information.

Yes, I realize

So, basically, to use maps from another application, say Organic Maps, OsmAnd should be provided with a converter/interpreter for that format, and the same should be done for each app from which you want to use data.

I'm not a OsmAnd developer adn don't think it will ever be possible, but who knows.

I'm not looking to convert data from other apps, but to add my own original information. The OsmAndMapCreator tooling looks appropriate for that (https://www.osmand.net/docs/technical/map-creation/create-offline-maps-yourself/).

[mariush444]

There is a plugin that works as you expected by you in my opinion.

https://ump.waw.pl/update/UMP-PL-OsmAnd_plugin.osf

unzip it and you will see how to fefine a link.

[raboof]

Ah, very interesting! So implementing this as a custom plugin might also be a promising approach. I don't see where the list of custom plugins is coming from, though - is it possible to load '3rd-party' custom plugins or submit a plugin for inclusion in the shipped list?

(for future reference https://www.osmand.net/docs/user/plugins/custom/)

[mariush444]

I don't know about official list, you should negotiate this with osmand team. If it is not usefull for to much users then I think it is not possivle. For others just give possibility to download osf from any link/server. Osf is installed automatically just after click on it.

[raboof]

For others just give possibility to download osf from any link/server. Osf is installed automatically just after click on it.

Aaah perfect!