Problems of the world map "OpenStreetMap" like a wiki talked by people who have contributed to development for many years

Byclive darra

OpenStreetMap(OSM) can be edited by anyoneWikiIt is a joint project to make a world map like. Serge Wroclawski, who contributed to this project for about 8 years from 2008 to 2016, is talking about "problems of OpenStreetMap".

Why OpenStreetMap is in Serious Trouble - Emacsen's Blog
https://blog.emacsen.net/blog/2018/02/16/osm-is-in-trouble/

Mr. Wroclawski still believes in the thought and possibilities of OSM, but it is something that can go forward because "decision making is insufficient" which is the so-called "general problem of the project" He seems to be unable to do so, he says that if this problem can be solved, there is a sufficient possibility of turning to success.

◆ I do not know how to edit
When you access OSM, buttons such as "Search window", map, "login" "edit", etc. are displayed. However, when editing is done, the edit screen of the map which I have not seen is displayed. For example, when drawing a road, there are "whether to draw with a simple single line, multiple lines," "how wide should it be", "how to name it" , Since the specific model is not clear, there is a high possibility that the map editor will cause unnecessary confusion.


◆ mystery usage policy
OSM can post a map created on the website, but there is a free use policy. It is free to use unless it does not run against "that one application occupies 5% of the bandwidth used for the map". If it exceeds the limit, access is denied. For example, if you open an OSM on a web page with free use at a certain shop, suddenly being denied access, it is possible that customers will receive unnecessary complaints from customers. However, it is pointed out that clear policies are not defined in this policy, and it is a point that it is hard to understand for users.

◆ Geocoder that can not be used
When you enter an address on the map, the location you entered is displayed. This is called "geocoding", but the geocoder called "Nominatim" installed in OSM is a defective item. For example, even if you enter a query of "123 Main Street" and address to search, there is a high possibility that a map of another place will be displayed instead of New York, and also "53th and 6th, New York City" You can not search for the name of an intersection. Of course it is impossible to search "nearby restaurants" etc.


◆ There is no specific model or review function
It is needless to say that the editing of OSM is hard to understand for beginners because of its difficulty in using it. Since there is no object corresponding to the tutorial in OSM, even if you reflect the map you drew, you may be deleted due to poor editing content later on. However, it is pointed out that there is no possibility of causing unnecessary confusion as it is never mentioned the reason for being deleted. Although it is difficult to deal with malicious updates such as "vandalism", even if there is vandalism, even if it is deleted, there is a high possibility that similar changes will be made, and a long bad map remains It seems there is a possibility that it will remain as it is.

◆ There is little flexibility besides map applications
Before,"Pokemon GOThere were times when players recorded the location of the appearance of monsters. However, in OSM, this kind of data is said to have been deleted as "outside the project range". Wroclawski thinks that if we can incorporate other observation factors such as games into the map, more people will be able to use it.

◆ Evolution of API is slow
The OSM currently being offeredAPIThe version is 0.6. And this version has not changed since 2009. Wroclawski points out that it means that project management is sloppy. Certainly OSM 's API is also splendid, but on 9th of a month it was supposed that a better API was born, Wroclawski says.

◆ Gatekeeper's presence
According to Wroclawski, "OpenStreetMap Foundation" should also be referred to as one or two absolute monarchsGatekeeperIt is clarifying that there is existence, and points out that the progress of the project is a slow factor.

Bynist 6 dh

◆ Culture of OpenStreetMap Foundation
The OpenStreetMap Foundation (OSMF) is mainly made up of donations, especially donatedHosting serviceIt is said that they are dependent on paid employees, they do not seem to fund or direct the development of software infrastructure. Mr. Wroclawski does not question the management itself, but OSM leaders are concerned about the stagnation of the project despite being forced to change.