[OSM-talk] Move the Map

[Tim Waters (chippy)]

One of the main annoyances that people tell me that they have with OSM
is that whenever they visit the site, the map shows them just the UK.

What are people's thoughts about the default zoom?
I'm aware that sometimes it may use a cookie and so the map will open
up to a previously viewed area - but only when logged in. At present
the website does not have a "remember me" / persistent login - so that
a user has to view the UK area on the map first, as a logged out user,
before manually logging in, and thereby possibly seeing the map
change.

Do you think it makes a difference what area a user views?
Would zooming based on IP Address be a good idea?
How about using cookies for non-logged in users?
How do other mapping websites do things, and are there any lessons to learn?

(One main difference on other sites is that their search box is much
more prominent)