Tags: #project

Backlinks: OpenStreetMap

Created: 2026-02-19 23:59
Last edited: 2026-03-19 21:45

Contributing to OpenStreetMap

Notes in contributing to OpenStreetMap.

Basics

Starting points

• https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Beginners%27_guide
• https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Getting_Involved
• https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Develop

Licensing

• https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Pros_and_cons_of_contributing_data_public_domain
• If you declare your contributions to be in the Public Domain, you are thereby making a statement only. You will not actually be changing the license or what people can do with your data, because database law still overrides the protection of individual items. People will have to adhere to ODbL when they want to use OSM, even if a majority of contributions should be declared PD. But nonetheless such statements can be powerful. How many people choose the PD option will influence the way we think about OSM licensing in the future.

Japan specific

• https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Japan
• https://openstreetmap.jp/eventlist
• https://plateauview.mlit.go.jp/ (MLIT_PLATEAU)
• Check
  • mailing list
  • discord (every Thursday discussion)
    • https://discord.gg/pNuUM99kUX

Local community

• Nearby contributors
  • https://resultmaps.neis-one.org/oooc
• Nearby change set discussions
  • https://resultmaps.neis-one.org/osm-discussions

Mapping methods

On-the-fly

Edit directly in Vespucci.
Suitable for small edits like opening hours adding nodes from templates, etc.

Pro: can always double check on site.
Con: standing around looking at phone screen instead of moving while outside.

Record outside, map later

How to quickly record data?

• Amenities: Take geo-tagged images and edit later at home
• Paths: Record GPS traces and add/edit paths later at home

How to record and use GPS traces?

• https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/GPS_tracks
• Examples of upgraded traces
  • https://www.openstreetmap.org/traces

Notes

General

Shop as building tag or as dedicated node

• tag when the whole building clearly is just that shop
• node otherwise; put roughly at entrance

Multiple values for one tag

• https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Multiple_values

Change set source

• "survey" = "was there and saw it firsthand"

Specific

Level (floor number)

• level uses 0 for the ground floor
• level:ref for numbers as labeled in site (e.g. elevator buttons)

MISC

Tags

• amenity=vending_machine
  • vending=
    • drinks
      • coffee
      • milk
      • water
    • food
      • sweets
      • ice_cream
      • pizza
    • trading_cards
    • electronics
    • SIM_cards
  • brand=
  • payment:
    • cash / coins+notes
    • contactless (if "no")
    • credit_cards
    • icsf
      • suica
      • icoca
      • ...
    • pitapa
  • wheelchair
    • are upper row drinks accessible?
      • there are types that have numbered buttons at a low height
• amenity=photo_booth
• amenity=toilets
• historic=wayside_shrine
• playground=*
• fitness_station=*

Neighborhood TODOs

• GPS track minor roads/paths
  • disable GPS snap to road
• 森ノ宮 Kohyo Supermarkt, 7:00-23:00
• Public toilets