[OSM-dev] Default map style on osm.org

[Christoph Hormann]

On Wednesday 28 August 2013, Andy Allan wrote:
> > I think that being pretty is not the goal of the default map style
> > at all. The primary goal of the default style is to expose as much
> > of the OSM data as possible.
>
> That's widely held opinion, but there's an equally sized opinion that
> would heartily disagree.

That's probably to some extent because the main map serves a double 
purpose:  For the user of the map and for the mapper.  Both these uses 
have their own requirements which are not always identical.

It always amazes me how much the map style influences the mapping 
practice, not only by obvious tagging for the renderer but also in the 
form of subtle priorities.  Having two separate styles - a 'data 
verification' style and a 'presentation style' would help reducing this 
effect. 

Another problem is that a consistent and asthetic map design is 
difficult to achieve with a large number of people working on it 
together.  On the other hand with few people making the design 
decisions there is inevitably a bias in decisions what is prominently 
visible and what not (which as said above has a significant influence 
back on the mapping practice).

Greetings,

-- 
Christoph Hormann
http://www.imagico.de/