As the free and editable map of the world, OpenStreetMap is at once a vastly global and very local project. Chances are there are other OpenStreetMap mappers, programmers or data users in your physical or digital vicinity. Here are useful resources on how to get in touch and learn more about OpenStreetMap.
We'd love to meet you - there are many opportunities to meet other mappers and OpenStreetMap data users to exchange experiences and join forces. Try one of the options below, or just drop us a line at team@openstreetmap.us.
TeachOSM provides educator training, content and curriculum for integrating OSM in the classroom, and advocates for OSM in educational settings. Started in 2013 as a grassroots project by educators for educators, TeachOSM is now a program under OpenStreetMap US. For more information, visit TeachOSM.org.
Mapping for Impact is a community partnership program led by OpenStreetMap US to support organizations in civic, environmental, and social sectors to solve targeted challenges and data gaps across the US using OpenStreetMap. Contribute to our Mapping for Impact projects on the OSM US Tasking Manager.
Public Domain Map is a collaborative mapping toolkit from OpenStreetMap US that allows volunteers to contribute to government datasets and OpenStreetMap simultaneously. Developed in collaboration with USDOT, USGS, and other federal partners, Public Domain Map is designed to multiply the power and impact of volunteer mappers contributing to the public good by combining crowdsourcing efforts. Volunteers will contribute map data that is reviewed by government agencies before publishing to OpenStreetMap and federal datasets. As a result, volunteer-contributed data can be leveraged by a greater number of agencies, citizens, companies, and nonprofits to better inform decision-making. For more information, visit PublicDomainMap.org.
OpenStreetMap US is excited to announce a new way in which we support projects and programs that align with our mission to support the OpenStreetMap project in the United States through education, fostering awareness, ensuring broad availability of data, continuous quality improvement, and an active community: OpenStreetMap US Charter Projects. With the OSM US Charter program, OpenStreetMap US actively encourages the development of tools, programs and services that contribute to the growth and sustainability of the OpenStreetMap platform in the United States, and beyond. The Charter Project program provides a framework for long term stewardship and is loosely based on the fiscal sponsorship model for governance of non-profit organizations. Projects are given a home and the ability to fundraise through the OpenStreetMap US organization, a 501(c)(3) charity incorporated in Washington, DC.
Applications are now open on a rolling basis. If you think your initiative may be a good fit to become an official OSM US Charter Project, we would love to learn more and get to know you! A great way to get started is by reading the Guidelines and the Template Agreement. OpenStreetMap US is looking to build strong, long term relationships with our Charters, so expect the process to take up to 3 months once you submit your application to hear a decision. Charter Project Application
If you're look for good places to start mapping, here are a couple of ideas:
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Questions? email team@openstreetmap.us
Photos © Justin Miller unless otherwise noted