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Last modified: 22-02-2020 |
A bit of infos about what OpenStreetMap is, and what you can do with it. It's Android-centric since that's the smartphone I have, and bicycle-centric since I rarely drive.
OpenStreetMap is an open-source alternative to Google Maps and other closed-source equivalents.
Any addition you make is actually recorded in the central OpenStreetMap database, from which all maps are built by reading all or part of the data. This makes it possible to build different types of maps simply by selecting only some information and displaying them in a particular way. For instance, OpenCycleMap includes information specifically made for cyclists, including bike lanes and bike shops.
As of September 2013, two types of tools are available to edit OpenStreetMap:
In addition to using OSM on the web, smartphone applications are available that download OSM maps into your phone to work without a network connection. Great for trips in the country or overseas.
"The Overpass API (or OSM3S) is a read-only API that serves up custom selected parts of the OSM map data. It acts as a database over the web: the client sends a query to the API and gets back the data set that corresponds to the query." http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Overpass_API
To use the MapQuest map instead of the default MapNik map: Settings -> Map ->Tile-Server. For MapQuest just use the following url: http://otile1.mqcdn.com/tiles/1.0.0/osm/{z}/{x}/{y}.jpg
Default is this: http://{s}.tile.openstreetmap.org/{z}/{x}/{y}.png
Alternatively, How can I extract information [e.g. POI's] from OpenStreetMap (like a list and location of all of the Churches in a certain area)?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tnohs_8gFY
http://openstreetbugs.schokokeks.org/
http://nominatim.openstreetmap.org/
First, query www.openstreetmap.org find the relation that is used to draw the administrative boundary around the location you are interested in. Next, run OverpassTurbo with a similar query:
A list of live edits, including http://live.openstreetmap.fr/
When merging multiple GPX files into one, first make sure the files are loaded in the right order such as by renaming them sequentially (1.foo.gpx, 2.bar.gpx, etc.) Note that GPX files can also be opened in XML Explorer.
The tracks/segments must also be in the right order, and go in the same direction. If timestamps are an issue, simply remove them, as this won't interfer if the tracks/segments are in the right order.
Next, run a batch file to call GpsBabel. Here's the Windows version:
Alternative applications to edit GPS files: Gps Track Editor (deadware since 2015), GpsPrune (Java application), GPX Editor, Garmin BaseCamp, QGIS.
The GUI version of GpsBabel is an easy way to merge multiple files into one: Just select several files in the Input section.
Alternatively, GpxMerge, a basic Java applet, lets you copy tracks/waypoints from multiple GPX files.
There are different tools available to edit an existing GPX file so that it goes through a different route.
http://cycle.travel/user/upload_route
http://www.trackmaker.com/main/en/download-gps-software-free
Very slow to install.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDLyicG_Ge4
https://help.openstreetmap.org/questions/39217/how-to-edit-the-waypoints-of-a-gpx-file-in-josm
Seems unable to simply snap to a different road: The user must manually move each and every node that make a track.
Is the EditGpx plug-in still required?
Requires moving all waypoints manually.
It's supposed to support this, but I didn't try it because I find QGis too big an application for such a basic task.
Froze even when editing a 3.000-waypoint GPX.
http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Quality_assurance
http://neis-one.org/2017/09/review-requests-osm/
https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Detect_Vandalism
https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Quality_assurance#Monitoring_tools
https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Change_rollback
https://help.openstreetmap.org/
Here's a way to add nodes in an Android application while riding around, import data in JOSM on a PC for validation, and uploading data to OSM:
Alternative :
By converting the GPX layer to a data layer, it can be edited, then saved again as a GPX file, or directly uploaded to OSM using EditGpx plugin
How to display a map: Imagery menu
How to move around a map: CTRL+arrows isn't smooth; Maintain the right mouse button down and move around; zoom in/out with the mouse wheel
Possible to replace d'nd right button with left button?
How to import GPX files (waypoints and tracks)
How to increase size of waypoints shown on map
How to select some waypoints, and remove the rest
To make markers (waypoints) more visible, uncheck "Less obtrusive node symbols at low zoom" in the style settings of the default style Windows > Map Paint Styles). See this.
So-so interface (cross platform)
Not responding when loading a GPX file with about thousands of waypoints
300MB installer! No torrent file.
The Windows Installer failed downloading sample data.
How to start QGIS? The installer adds two elements to the desktop: A "GRASS GIS 7.2.0" shortcut, and a folder "QGIS 2.18" with multiple shortcuts:
NO GRASS GIS 7.2.0 shortcut
Diff between …\qgis-grass7.bat and …\qgis.bat ?
How to change QGIS interface language from French to English? Préférence > Options > Langue
Very slow to start
AV might trigger a false positive with qgis.g.browser.7.exe
http://docs.qgis.org/2.14/en/docs/gentle_gis_introduction
http://docs.qgis.org/2.14/pdf/en/QGIS-2.14-UserGuide-en.pdf
http://docs.qgis.org/2.14/pdf/en/QGIS-2.14-QGISTrainingManual-en.pdf
http://osgeo-org.1560.x6.nabble.com/QGIS-User-f4125267.html
https://gis.stackexchange.com/?tags=qgis
https://www.qgis.org/en/site/forusers/books/index.html
No Torrent (300+MB application) https://www.qgis.org/en/site/forusers/alldownloads.html#windows
Failed downloading sample data sets
Requires rebooting Windows
Added "GRASS GIS 7.2.0" shortcut and "QGIS 2.18" folder instead of just a link to the main application
(March 2015) This application is now totally free and renamed Maps.me.
This application downloads OSM maps, so they're available even with no Internet connection and lets you find addresses (it can be slow or not work well, however.) You can add bookmarks/PointsOfInterest, either directly in the phone or by importing a KML file (such as using Google MapsEngine).
(August 2013) There are two ways to import a KML file:
As of August 2013, MwM Pro is unable to import routes in GPX, but a GPX route is displayed OK when converted into KML and imported in the application:
To export bookmarks to Windows, open the bookmarks folder and send the infos as email attachment. A KMZ file is actually a KML (XML) file zipped, so you can just rename the extension from KMZ to ZIP.
Easy solution to view bookmarks with Google Maps : uploade KMZ file to a web site, and use this type of URL : http://maps.google.com/?q=http://www.acme.com/my.file.kmz
Alternatively, you can draw a route in Google Maps:
In the phone, to add a bookmark on an empty zone, keep your finger pressed for a couple of seconds.
First, download the World basemap. If you need more details for a given area, download finer-tuned maps, either as "Roads-only map" (lighter) or "Regular map" (heavier, about 10x).
If you want to contribute to OSM, enable the "OSM Editing" plug-in.
Slow to redraw map when zooming in/out
One region = one map, so before heading for a region which is currently not available in the phone and where a data connection won't be available, remember to download maps ahead of time.
The app records a track and lets you add nodes for later saving/uploading.
The default buttons are car-related, but can be reconfigured by writing an XML file with eg. bike-related buttons.
Cue Sheet can import GPX files.
Can it download maps for offline use?
New users can register through http://www.openstreetmap.org > Sign Up
https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/UMap/Guide/Define_editors_to_modify_my_uMapNote: As of Nov 2019, http://umap.openstreetmap.fr requires that new Umap users create at least one map of their own before they show up in the list of editors in someone else's maps.
TRY
Hide map: Only those who know the URL can edit
Simply log onto Umap without creating any map beforehand: User shows up map's Editor list?
"Symbol can be either a unicode caracter or an URL. You can use feature properties as variables: ex.: with "http://myserver.org/images/{name}.png", the {name} variable will be replaced by the "name" value of each marker."
Here's how to add a live layer, ie. that will actually just download data from a layer on a remote Umap map:
If it fails, check the URL, and if it's still doesn't work, ask in the forum.
Note: As of Feb 2018, it looks like Umap won't let you link multiple layers to a single layer, eg. …/123%2C456/ ("Problem in the response".)
Infos:
Here's how to use the GPS module effectively, either when contributing to OSM or just riding around.
GPS-capable smartphones rely on different sources of information to know your whereabouts:
The first two (GSM and wifi) require a data connection so that the phone can upload those infos to Google and download your location. As a result, this won't work when disabling data roaming while travelling overseas to save money; In this case, the only way to find your location is by locking GPS signals, which can take several minutes, or can be impossible altogether (small streets, heavy woods.)
As of October 2013, it's not possible but is planned. In the meantime, use web filters such as Adblock, Privoxy, GreaseMonkey, etc.
Check Mapquest Open (from MapQuest). Changing what features are shown on a map tile is not possible, unless you render your own map tiles. See switch2osm.
Downloading map tiles for offline use may breach the tile usage policy. The OSM data is freely available, scraping map tiles has a high impact on the servers and is not recommended. Andy, who created the cyclemap, does sell a micro SD card with opencyclemap data on it for some GPS receivers.
Some applications for Android like MapsWithMe or OsmAnd allow downloading OSM maps for offline use.
Just click on Edit. As of Sept 2013, it'll use the HTML5-based Id application.
There are several web sites that let you draw a route on your computer, and export it as a GPX file that you can import in your Android smartphone. All of those below actually rely on Google Maps:
OSMTracker "allows you to track your journey and mark significant way points. Way points can be marked with a tag using a button, with a quick voice record, a text note or by taking a picture. The various button pages and layouts can be customized to suit your OpenStreetMap activities. You can view your current track on top of an OpenStreetMap background.
The track is then exported in GPX format, ready to use in OSM tools like JOSM."
Offers too few amenities.
Works OK when viewed through the OCM layer on the OSM map. Could be some JavaScript stripped by a web proxy.
eg. how to check business hours or URL of cycle shop?
For instance, it seems like the train line that leaves Orléans eastward and ends around Les Bordes is actually closed.
Speeds up GPS locking significantly by downloading satellite data indirectly from servers on the Net. Usually requires a data connection, but it seems like A-GPS data can also be downloaded through GSM.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assisted_GPSGPS Status = too many features
FasterFix, FasterGPS = root required
Here are some tips to reduce the time your (Android) smartphone takes to lock GPS signals: