[OSM-talk] Some thoughts against remote mapping

[Simon Poole]

I think little can be said against careful, respectful mapping of base
infrastructure (aka major road and other transportation facilities), as
far as possible with input from the local inhabitants, particularly in
the case of emergencies, by harnessing the combined prowess of OSM mappers.

As had been said by others it has the potential to provide a useful
framework for adding further details and it scratches our particular
itch, for whatever reasons, to have a working map in such regions. As
long as the respect includes thinking about what can really be usefully
done remotely, I think we are net better with than without. In any case
it requires experience with OSM to make reasonable decisions and less is
very often more in these situations.

On the other hand a lot can be said against using empty spaces on the
map for marketing purposes, using newbies to doodle on the map where we
have the most vulnerable regions in the world, and leaving wastelands of
junk in the data which will completely overwhelm any budding local
community.

I could go on to point out that the later has a negative impact on the
rest of OSM and does a disservice to the people participating in such
activities however well intentioned they may be, but I'll leave that for
an other day.

Simon

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