FAQ
General questions
How often is the data updated in OSM?
OpenStreetMap data on https://www.openstreetmap.org/ is updated in real time as soon as changes are uploaded. However, external providers (e.g. apps) have different update cycles, which can range from minutes to several months.
How do I become part of the OSM community?
You are already part of it if you are interested in OSM! You can contribute by joining the chat, participating in the forum or attending meetups and events. You can even create an event yourself.
Which editors are available for beginners and advanced users?
Beginner: iD (browser), StreetComplete (Android), Every Door (Android, iOS) Advanced: JOSM (desktop), Vespucci (Android)
How do I report inappropriate content in OSM? What happens in case of vandalism?
In OSM, everything that is uploaded is available immediately. It is therefore possible that someone might upload something funny, wrong or offensive. The article How OSM deals with vandalism. contains more information on how such problems are dealt with.
Can you do something on Google? / Are you responsible for Google? / Anything to do with Google / etc.
No. OpenStreetMap has no affiliation with Google and cannot make changes to Google Maps or other map services.
You had a ‘Ask a question’ section on the website, where did that go?
The section was originally set up for the online AGIT 2020 and later deactivated. The questions can still be viewed via WebArchive.
First steps for new mappers
I want to do something, but I’m afraid of doing something wrong.
Don’t worry, OSM thrives on participation. If you’re unsure, read the Good practice on the OSM wiki or start with LearnOSM. You can also check the ‘Check changeset’ option when uploading your changes. This marks your changeset and with the appropriate tools someone can take care of it - but this is also done by volunteers.
What do I do if I find errors in OSM data?
Create a note at https://www.openstreetmap.org/ or edit the data directly if you have an account. You can find more information at Contribute.
I created a note, but nothing happened and I can’t write anymore!
Notes are processed by volunteers. If you don’t get a reply, it may be that no one has taken care of the issue yet. If you are not logged in, you will also not be able to leave any further comments. You can find more information about the notes at Contributing.
Authorities, organisations and companies
How can I ensure that our data is correctly entered in OSM?
Check the data at https://www.openstreetmap.org/. If something doesn’t fit, you can ask questions in the forum or in the chat - you can also contact the association.
How do I report incorrect or outdated data?
Use the forum at https://community.openstreetmap.org/
How can our organisation benefit from OSM data?
OSM data is open and free to use – from urban planning to navigation. It enables flexible, individual map solutions and saves on licence costs. And if there are errors, you can correct them yourself directly. However, the licences must still be observed when using the data.
The addresses in the city/municipality have changed, how can this be updated in OpenStreetMap?
You can make the changes yourself. However, it is recommended that you open a thread at https://community.openstreetmap.org/. The association is happy to help with creating the thread. Please note that it may take some time to implement this, as everyone does this in their free time on a voluntary basis.
Our organisation has geodata. Can we share it with OSM?
Yes! That’s great! You can create a post in the forum in which you provide the data. Please also note the licence - either choose a free licence or, for example, CC-BY 4.0 - with an additional confirmation that OSM is allowed to use this data. You can take care of importing the data into OpenStreetMap yourself, but there are a few things to keep in mind here. You can find information on this in the import guidelines in the wiki.
Am I allowed to use OpenStreetMap data for my product/service? Also commercially?
Yes, as long as you comply with the ODbL licence and the correct attribution. A lot of information can be found at Switch2OSM.
Is there support for companies that want to use OSM data?
The community often helps in the forum on a voluntary basis, but there are also paid consulting options.
Which commercial applications use OSM data successfully?
TomTom uses OSM data, OSMAnd is a successful app, Tagesschau relies on OSM, and OSM is used on Facebook.
Privat persons
Why are certain details of my property entered in OSM?
Only publicly visible information is recorded. Private data is excluded. If something has been entered here, it is best to contact the DWG (Data Working Group) directly so that this data is also removed from the database.
I would like to have my data deleted in OSM. Is that possible?
If it is private information, contact us. Routes and objects that are publicly visible are not deleted in OSM. For sensitive information, the DWG (Data Working Group) can help.
Why is street X or building Y not listed?
OpenStreetMap relies on volunteers to enter and update objects. Perhaps no one has been to check on you in the near future. The good news is that you can help to ensure that this is entered in OSM. You can find more information at contributing.
I want to see details of a supermarket or a museum on the map like on Google Maps, how do I do that?
Unfortunately, this is not possible on https://www.openstreetmap.org/ itself. However, there are other providers that offer similar functionality, such as Mapy.cz or the OpenStreetBrowser
Why is there much less on openstreetmap.org than on google.com
OSM provides only one example map at https://www.openstreetmap.org/ to show what can be done with OSM data.
Why can’t I find a layer for the topic of wheelchairs/blind/handicapped-accessible/… on openstreetmap.com?
The map on https://www.openstreetmap.org/ is an example of what can be created from the OSM-data. For many topics, there are specialised maps, such as Wheelmap or special apps like WalkersGuide. Some routers also have extra settings, e.g. for wheelchairs.
Route management
The path is private, so why is it still marked on the map?
OSM shows reality. But if it is recognisable on the ground that something is ‘private’, then the route should be marked as such in OSM so that routers also take note.
Why shouldn’t I just delete the route?
Because otherwise a hiker will come along who is not yet aware of the discussion and redraw the route, perhaps even marking the missing section as ‘private’. Then the next router based on OSM will take the route again and then everyone will be annoyed. This is of no use to anyone. If the route exists, it will be drawn on OSM, but with the correct label as private, if this is also recognisable on site. OSM is not a tool for visitor guidance. There is also a page in the wiki that deals with this in detail Why can’t I delete this trail?.
But the trail is overgrown / dilapidated /…
As long as the trail is still visible in other sources or can perhaps even be seen in an aerial photograph, there is the lifecycle prefix - so that every mapper who wants to change something there knows that something has changed here.
When can a trail be deleted?
If it is no longer visible on the ground (overgrown, trees lying across it, bushes, etc.), if it is no longer visible on aerial photographs and if it no longer appears in other sources, then the path can really be deleted.
We are from XY National Park / I am the landowner and the path must no longer be in OSM!
OpenStreetMap is not a tool for visitor guidance! In OSM, we map what is there. But if something is marked as ‘private’ or ‘closed’ on site, then the way should also be marked as such in OSM. The same applies if the way is damaged, then the way should be entered in OSM as such.