"Informed AI News" is an publications aggregation platform, ensuring you only gain the most valuable information, to eliminate information asymmetry and break through the limits of information cocoons. Find out more >>
OpenStreetMap: 20 Years of Community-Driven Mapping
- summary
- score
Steve Coast, a dropout from University College London, started OpenStreetMap two decades ago. Inspired by Wikipedia and Linux, he believed in a community-driven map. Today, it boasts over 10 million contributors, mapping everything from streets to rivers.
OpenStreetMap operates under the Open Database License (ODbL), allowing free use with attribution. Major companies like Apple and Uber rely on its data. The OpenStreetMap Foundation, a non-profit, manages the project with minimal staff and funding.
The platform challenges Google Maps' dominance, arguing that location data should not be monopolized by a single entity. OpenStreetMap offers an affordable, accessible alternative, emphasizing shared ownership of geographic data.
In essence, OpenStreetMap proves that collective effort can create something valuable, bypassing traditional funding and corporate control. It's a testament to the power of open-source collaboration.
| Scores | Value | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Objectivity | 6 | Comprehensive reporting and in-depth analysis. |
| Social Impact | 5 | Significantly influencing public opinion. |
| Credibility | 5 | Solid evidence from authoritative sources. |
| Potential | 5 | Almost certain to trigger a larger event. |
| Practicality | 5 | Widely applied in practice with good results. |
| Entertainment Value | 2 | Includes a few entertaining elements. |