[Talk-us] Anyone near Chicago area?

[richard at weait.com]

> Hi,
>
> I would like to start contributing to Open Street Map project.
> Currently I'm at Rolling Meadows, IL (42.051753,-88.010344). I have
> got an OpenMoko FreeRunner and is figuring out how to use the GPS
> features in it. If anyone is near Chicago area it would be great to
> get some heads up to go about mapping.

Hi Praveen,

Being on this list is a good start.  A recent Chicago mapping party was
announced here.  The party was a few weeks ago.

Also you have added your location on your profile page at
www.openstreetmap.org.  So other local mappers can let you know what they
are doing.

Why not plan a "Rolling Meadows Mini Mapping Party"?  Or an OSM Meetup? 
Email a couple of other local mappers (use your profile page to find local
mappers) and pick a date and place that works for at least two of you. 
Then promote that event, here, on meetup.com, upcoming.com and a cool
Chicago technology site or something like that.

You'll have the chance to meet with other mappers, exchange ideas and
mapping techniques and have a lot of fun.

For your Freerunner, make sure that you have the updated hardware so that
your GPS does not interfere with the telephone operation.  See
http://wiki.openmoko.org/wiki/GPS_Problems

If you aren't sure where your profile page is:
- www.openstreetmap.org
- Login (top right)
- Enter your api account name and password (not your wiki name and
password) You have an API account and password if you have successfully
edited map data with josm or potlatch.
- Click your username at top right
- See the home location you defined on the map as a red marker.  See other
local mappers as green markers.  You can email them through the site.


Best regards,
Richard