[Osmf-talk] Google (was AoA)

[Jaak Laineste]

On 19.07.2011, at 21:32, Matthias Blazejak wrote:

> Am 19.07.2011 14:19, schrieb Jonathan Bennett:
>> On 19/07/2011 12:57, fh.sainct wrote:
>> You never know, one day Google might start using the data as well.
>> 
>> 
> For me it's pretty obvious that Google Maps enriches his mapinfo with
> the data we collect in OSM. You may like it or not: it's nothing wrong
> with this, isn't it? :) It's OSM's license ...

I personally would be really happy if I would see my buildings, POIs and paths in Google Maps. License-wise it would be possible, just they cannot mix it with other sources, so it should be separate service, just like MapQuest has. Well, of course they would want to cherry-pick and mix. Then I could show "my map" to my friends with pride. Openstreetmap.org (and other osm-based mapping services) are unfortunately still really niche compared to Google. Certain groups (eg. IT industry) knows us already, but widespread dissemination is yet to come and getting promoted by Google Maps would be big positive achievement. Ordinary people are more and more only in major portals like google, facebook and few others, and you will be visible only if you are there. If OSM would be as integrated to Wikipedia as it is in WolframAlpha, then it would be significant.

My speculation why Google does not use us already is mainly just current unclear OSM license situation. OSM(F) has not been able to give them layer-proof terms how exactly they can and cannot use OSM data, and these major companies really do not like any legal risks.

Of course they have stolen many good ideas from OSM, as we have stolen some from them. That's life: wins the one who executes better, not the one who has only ideas.

Jaak