[Talk-ca] more Canadian OSM extracts coming

[Richard Weait]

On Fri, May 6, 2011 at 6:40 PM, Daniel Begin <jfd553 at hotmail.com> wrote:
> Hi Richard,
> I'm a bit confuse about the announcement.  What is that for? What purpose
> does it deserved?  I should have miss something!
>
> Cheers,
> Daniel

Dear Daniel,

"Extract" and "planet" files are for people who wish to consume
OpenStreetMap data for some purpose, perhaps to operate their own tile
server. The "planet" file is published once per week and includes data
of the entire planet.  "Extract" files are created by several people,
but not by the OSMF directly, and include OpenStreetMap data for some
fraction of the planet, for people interested in a smaller portion of
the planet.  If their interest is limited geographically, they can use
an extract file, rather than a planet file, and will have smaller data
files to manipulate.  Some people find this advantageous.

An extract file for all of Canada has been available from CloudMade
for a few years.  Now, Geofabrik is offering extracts for selected
Canadian areas.  Currently, for Ontario and for Quebec.  I expect the
Geofabrik will publish new extracts each week.

Does this tell you if you have missed anything?  ;-)

Best regards,
Richard