[OSM-talk] "How We Map"

[Mikel Maron]

Already a great piece. This should go out to all new signups.



> On Feb 10, 2015, at 4:19 AM, Jo Walsh <metazool at fastmail.net> wrote:
> 
> dear all,
> 
> I wish to float this draft page for discussion and possibly future
> approval!
> 
> http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/How_We_Map
> 
> The page is a summary of a draft Mappers' Code written by Frederik some
> time ago after extensive discussion with the rest of the DWG. When I
> signed up to the DWG I tried to condense that draft into a
> single-screen, single-page, easily digestible version appropriate to
> show to new mappers and to put on the registration pages. My ideal for
> the doc is that it expresses the core principles of contributing to OSM
> without besetting anyone with rules, and that it's as short as possible
> without missing out anything important to know. I encourage people to
> post scathing critiques on the Talk: page in addition to here on the
> list. 
> 
> http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Talk:How_We_Map
> 
> For the benefit of the really lazy or bandwidth-deprived, I include the
> full text of "How We Map" as it stands now, below the fold.
> 
> be well all,
> 
> ----
> 
> OpenStreetMap is a social activity; it is a teamwork effort by hundreds
> of thousands of people around the globe.
> 
> OpenStreetmap has a tradition of making as few rules as possible.
> 
> Contributions to OpenStreetmap should be:
> 
>    Truthful - means that you cannot contribute something you have
>    invented.
>    Legal - means that you don't copy copyrighted data without
>    permission.
>    Verifiable - means that others can go there and see for themselves
>    if your data is correct.
>    Relevant - means that you have to use tags that make clear to others
>    how to re-use the data
> 
> When in doubt, also consider the "on the ground rule": map the world as
> it can be observed by someone physically there.
> 
> OpenStreetMap has very few rules on tagging. There are tagging standards
> but they evolve instead of being pushed through.
> 
> OpenStreetMap values local knowledge highly, but mappers should welcome
> edits from outsiders.
> 
> OpenStreetMap values community cohesion over data perfection.
> 
> You do not have to ask permission before modifying existing data. If you
> believe that you can improve something, then do it.
> 
> In talking to other mappers, always assume good intentions.
> 
> If you have a conflict with another mapper that you cannot solve amongst
> yourselves, involve other project members - via the local community
> meetup, the regional mailing list or areas of the forum, or by messaging
> them directly.
> 
> Occasionally you will be contacted by other mappers about edits you have
> made. Please do not ignore them; if the other mapper has taken the time
> to look at your edit and ask you a question, they deserve an answer.
> 
> Do not delete data unless you know (or have very strong reason to
> believe) that it is incorrect.
> 
> Do not engage in large-scale "cleanups" without securing the agreement
> of the relevant community, or talking to the people whose work you aim
> to "clean".
> 
> You may believe your third-party dataset should be added to OSM. Do not
> bulk import data from other sources without first discussing and
> securing agreement on the imports list. 
> 
> -- 
>  Jo Walsh
>  metazool at fastmail.net
> 
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