March 27, 2013
Local know-how on the map
Who holds the useful (and useless) information about your community? The truth is that we’ve all probably discovered something about where we live that no one else has noticed. And in the past, that knowledge might have stayed with you and you alone. Now, thanks to the application of new mapping technology allied to the open source principles of wiki, communities across the world are developing an important new local resource. Dunbar is leading the way in Scotland.
27/03/13
Local know-how on the map
OpenStreetMap (OSM) is a collaborative project to create a free editable map of the world. Two major driving forces behind the establishment and growth of OSM have been restrictions on use or availability of map information across much of the world and the advent of inexpensive portable satellite navigation devices.[4]
Founded by Steve Coast in the UK in 2004, it was inspired by the success of Wikipedia and preponderance of proprietary map data in the UK and elsewhere.[5] Since then, it has grown to around three hundred thousand contributors,[6] who collect data using GPSdevices, aerial photography, and other free sources. This crowdsourced data is then made available under the Open Database License. The site is supported by the OpenStreetMap Foundation, a non-profit organization registered in England.
Rather than the map itself, the data generated by the OpenStreetMap project is considered its primary output. This data is then available for use in both traditional applications, like its usage by Craigslist and Foursquare to replace Google Maps, and more unusual roles, like replacing default data included with GPS receivers. These data have been favorably compared with proprietary datasources, though data quality varies worldwide.
This is how Sustaining Dunbar invited local people to its mapping party last weekend……
Mapping parties are events where anyone can come and participate in the OpenStreetMap project. OpenStreetMap is a free, open source map that can be contributed, edited and used by anyone, anywhere. Mapping parties are social events where experienced and new mappers can meet to share and learn more about the project. The event is open to all.
Join us for our first meet-up and mapping party on Saturday 23 March 2013 10am – 4pm, Bleachingfield Centre, Dunbar. We will teach you how to survey, edit and upload to OpenStreetMap website. We hope to create a map to showcase the facilities, points of interest of the area, sustainable infrastructure and help improve access and management in the future.
It’s fun. It’s free. You can help!
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Check out the wiki page for more details – here
When: Saturday 23 March 2012 10:00-16:30
Where: Bleachingfield Centre, Dunbar
Resources: Have a look at ‘sustainability’ map of Dunbar so far and starting editing/adding features: here
Event schedule:
10:00 Meet at the Bleachingfield Centre – greetings and refreshments
10:30 Plan mapping strategy, introduction and training for New mappers
11:00 Go map!
13:30 Meet back at centre for lunch – Not provided! – bring pack lunch or buy something at the cafe in the centre
14:15 More mapping
15:30 Editing and updating the map
16:00 Finish – or go to the bar to celebrate!
If you own a GPS, smartphone, digital camera or laptop computer, please bring it along. If not, we will have equipment to loan.
Weather: This event is rain or shine – please dress appropirately for walking outside in all weather