[OSM-talk] Why do you use Google Maps instead of OSM? Because of buildings...

[Dave F.]

Ed Avis wrote:
> I asked an NGO based in London why they use Google Maps instead of OSM on their
> 'contact us' page....
To all the people who posted earlier than me:

Yes, you all stated how it could be done & how to correct it, but...

You haven't answered the problem of why they went with G. instead of 
OSM. in the first place.

Why were they unaware that you could turn off elements?

What images were they presented with initially that made them knee jerk 
back to G.? Mapnik, Osmarender?

"I'd rather OSM/OSMF concentrated on encouraging more organisations to 
roll their own maps (and map styles), working with ISVs, 
freelancers,consulting companies and suchlike..."

This, evidently, as they've/ gone back/ to G, doesn't appear to be 
working at the moment.

"...and stayed well clear of anything that seems to be where OSMF acts 
as a service provider."

This sounds like shooting yourself in the foot to me. I believe 
guidance, more than encouragement needs to be given.

This laissez faire attitude to how the data is displayed by OSM will 
only discourage people like me who spend a lot of free time collecting & 
collating the data. I want to see my efforts displayed in a working map.

The OP describes a backward step in the development of OSM.

Dave F.