--- --- Community | OpenStreetMap US

Community

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.

Start mapping

Head over to OpenStreetMap and become a mapper today.

Get In Touch

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.

  • The annual State of the Map US conference brings together mappers and data users of all backgrounds. It is a great way to dive into the OpenStreetMap community and meet mapping aficionados and professional data users from private sector, government and NGOs.
  • The OpenStreetMap Slack team is one of the main hubs of the US community: Join Here and chat in real time with others.
  • Attend a Virtual Mappy Hour hosted by the community where you can ask questions, talk about things you're passionate about, and learn from others.
  • Subscribe to our monthly newsletter for news and community events.
  • Follow us on Twitter where we regularly update you of OpenStreetMap US relevant news and events
  • Join our Facebook group
  • Get in touch on IRC - there's always someone online on the #osm-us channel on irc.oftc.net (Getting started with IRC)
  • Join a meetup group in your city.

Programs

OpenStreeMap US Charter Projects

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: OpenStreeMap 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.

Apply to become a Charter Project

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

Resources

Interesting things to map

If you're look for good places to start mapping, here are a couple of ideas:

  • Go outside, what's new in you city? A café that just opened? A school that changed its name? A new street or building that's not on the map yet? Log on to OpenStreetMap and update the map.
  • Map the neighborhood you grew up in or your last vacation spot.
  • Log on to Map Roulette and start improving OpenStreetMap with a one-minute task at a time.
  • Map for a good cause and pick a task from the Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team's OSM Tasking Manager.

© OpenStreetMap US

Questions? email team@openstreetmap.us

Photos © Justin Miller unless otherwise noted