[OSM-talk] 3000 registered users but the stats arn't all rosy

[Wollschaf]

On Fri, 01 Sep 2006 17:39:00 +0100, Robert Scott wrote:

> I think the one thing that would give the front page the most impact is
> for the slippy map to show _some_ data at all zoom levels - even if it's
> statically generated (maybe once a week). Being able to look at the
> whole planet and see the progress being made is quite inspiring.

The first impression while browsing the front page as potentially new osm
editor / developer is indeed lacking. We need a better map renderer and
(bigger) interface; Not everybody comprehends the pontential behind OSM if
the best maps are hidden somewhere in the wiki (osmarender) and the slippy
map only displays landsat images for most of the time (if you don't know
where to look).

A huge step forward would be a slippy map that looks similar to the output
osmarender creates. I don't know if it is yet possible to write an
interface that displays SVG tiles which works in every browser. Having the
ability to use SVG-based maps is a huge advantage of the free OSM data.
Commercial mapping companies will never do that...

Landsat images should be off by default, and displayed as layer - to
emphasize what is already mapped... Map rendering does not have to be done
with bleeding-edge OSM data. One daily update based on planet.osm should
be enough. It is possible to find out which tiles changed, so the world
does not have to be rendered (png/gif) or converted (svg) daily as whole.
A dev server could still render certain areas based on realtime OSM data
on special request (editors)

If the interface is neat enough, popularity will rise fast. In the
meantime, almost only people with personal mapping interest are attracted.

I wish I knew how to write better code. All I'm currently able is to
stick ugly hacks together with glue ;)

happy mapping,
Wollschaf