[OSM-talk] Not-properly-Open-but-called-Open

[Dave F.]

Richard Fairhurst wrote:
> Martin Koppenhoefer wrote:
>   
>> +1, IMHO it should not be an option on the main map page as it is 
>> less "open" than OSM. Instead we could have other projects there, 
>> that are as open as OSM (and that preferably cover the whole 
>> planet, don't know how much of those there are at the moment).
>>     
>
> Right. When you've come up with a map that's as cartographically impressive,
> as technologically capable, and as downright _useful_ as OpenCycleMap, come
> back and ask again, won't you?
>   

This is a classic example of  someone whingeing after they were 
expecting to be lauded with praise & palm leaves, as they rode through 
the city on a donkey, for doing something that no one told them or 
expected them to do. At the first sign of criticism they get all offended.

>When you've come up with a map that's as cartographically impressive,
>as technologically capable, and as downright _useful_ as OpenCycleMap,

No one on this thread actually criticized OCM on this level, but since 
you bring it up I would say it's distinctly average:

I mean, who, when planning a ride is desperate to deliver a letter to a 
letter box?
It doesn't display at level 18 which can lead to confusion in city centres.
It doesn't display the difference between paths & footways.
Bicycle parking labels on given a number of spaces if greater than 20. 
Personally I think knowing the number of smaller bike racks would be as, 
if not, more useful.
It doesn't display certain areas such as leisure=nature_reserve

Oh! & it's not open so that others who want to help improve it can 
contribute.

The one thing that is decent is the contour rendering.

> To me the front page of OSM seems like the ideal place to demonstrate "look,
> this is what having open data enables you to do". But, hey, maybe
> fundamentalism is the in thing for 2010.

We keep on being told in these forums that OSM is _not_ a map making 
exercise, that it is purely a database for making maps. Yet, in big 
letters on the front page it says "Show me the map - get out of my way!"

It needs to be one way or the other.
Personally I think it _should_ be promoting map renderings, but on it's 
main map page it should be one that is truly open in the sense of OSM.

Cheers
Dave F.