[OSM-newbies] Starting with JOSM and OpenStreetMap in general

[Adrian]

> I have trimmed a track using USAPhotoMaps just because I know how to 
> do it there.  I have a new GPX file that I would like to upload.  Is 
> there any way that it can be used in OSM without manually converting 
> the data in JOPM?

According to the documentation USAPhotoMaps uses Microsoft's TerraServer 
for its background mapping, and the T&C say:

"Unless otherwise specified, the Services are for your personal and 
non-commercial use. You may not modify, copy, distribute, transmit, 
display, perform, reproduce, publish, license, create derivative works 
from, transfer, or sell any information, software, products or services 
obtained from the Services."

So I'd ask you to be really careful about creating gpx tracks using it.

We tend to think of GPS logs as being primary survey evidence, editing 
them beyond simply removing points breaks that assumption.

On the auto-conversion note, it's really easy to create a huge number of 
nodes that aren't necessary and clutter up the database by 
auto-converting gps track points and then someone else has to go back 
and fix it.