OpenStreetMap is a U.K.-based project that fulfills a great need: an open, collaborative mapping project. Ever find an error in MapQuest, Google Maps, or Yahoo Maps? Can’t do much about it, can you? OpenStreetMap will be able to be updated and corrected by their user base, and will be available for free, as in both beer and speech. Think of it in terms of Wikipedia, which also illustrates the possibilities for errors and abuse, as well.
They have just jump-started their U.S. mapping effort with mapping information from the U.S. Census Bureau. They have a long way to go, but with some local effort from people across the country, they could be a serious contender for our mapping needs.
Check out your local area to see what they have, and what they still need for their maps.
found on Linux.com
