Use OSM

Translations: DE

OpenStreetMap can be used in many ways – whether for hiking, cycling, navigation, or exploring the world. The simplest way to use OSM is directly via the website:
openstreetmap.org

Using OSM for Outdoor Activities

If you enjoy hiking or cycling, you might have already used OpenStreetMap without realizing it. Many outdoor apps, such as Bergfex, OpenCycleMap, Outdooractive, or the app Komoot, rely on OSM data to show the best hiking and cycling routes.

Several navigation apps are based on OSM data. Popular examples include:

  • Organic Maps: A user-friendly, privacy-focused app offering offline navigation based on OSM data.
  • OSMAnd: A powerful navigation app featuring offline maps, route planning, and more.
  • Magic Earth: A navigation app with crowd-based traffic data – the more users, the better the traffic insights!

Online Applications

In addition to mobile apps, various specialized online services use OSM data:

  • OpenRouteService: Route planning for cars, pedestrians, cyclists, and more.
  • Bikerouter: Route planning specifically for cyclists.
  • OpenFireMap: Displays firefighting facilities and hydrants.
  • OSMHydrant: A map specifically for hydrants recorded in OSM.

Creating and Printing Your Own Maps

You can create your own maps based on OpenStreetMap data. Tools like Maperitive allow you to customize maps for specific purposes and print them. For browser-based solutions, try MyOSMatic or Printmaps.

Building Your Own Applications

If you’re a developer, you can create your own applications using OSM data. Since the data is freely available, it can be integrated into your programs via open APIs. A good starting point is Switch2OSM or the OSM Wiki.

Using Map Sections

Need a map excerpt for a book? That’s also possible with OSM, as long as the attribution requirements are met. Learn more at openstreetmap.org/copyright.

Projects from OpenStreetMap Austria

We also have projects that the association, members of the association or members of the Austrian community are driving forward. You can find blog posts about the projects here.

Did You Know?

You might already be using OSM without realizing it! Many platforms and apps use OSM data. For example, Facebook maps are based on OSM data. Popular outdoor apps like Komoot, Bikemap.net, or Bikerouter.de also rely on OSM’s extensive data.

Even some games are built on OSM data, such as the Microsoft Flight Simulator, Infection Free Zone, Ingress, Leitstellensimulator, or Pokemon GO.