[OSM-talk] OSMF silently sides with Russia?

[Rory McCann]

OSM currently maps borders based on "physical control", which can have
outcomes like this. I can see why it would be.. undesirable to some. If
you think OSM should use a different rule, then please suggest another
rule. We can talk about it and see what that rule would be like. It's a
little more constructive.

How should we decide which way to map disputed borders?!


On 20.11.18 07:15, Tomas Straupis wrote:
> Hello
> 
>    I think this needs more attention and should not be silently buried
> in archives.
> 
>    OSMF/DWG has sided with Moscow to recognise illegal annexation of
> Ukraine's territory - Crimea.
>    https://wiki.osmfoundation.org/wiki/Working_Group_Minutes/DWG_2018-11-14_Crimea
> 
>    Note that there was a vote in UN on this:
>    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_General_Assembly_Resolution_68/262
>    only few countries on the level of North Korea, Zimbabwe, Russia,
> Venezuela have recognised this international crime. Does OSMF/DWG want
> to be in this group? Does OpenStreetMap has to be in this group?
> 
>    PRACTICAL1: this will make it impossible to create a correct
> political map using OSM data.
> 
>    PRACTICAL2: It is also EXTREMELY damaging to OpenStreetMap
> reputation. Now all opponents of OSM will be able to point fingers at
> this decision - "OSM recognises Crimeas annexation". And it now makes
> us all participate in Russian (ruled) project.
> 
>    PRACTICAL3: While there are some talks about using OSM instead or
> alongside of commercial GIS solutions in the context of EU INSPIRE
> directive, such intentions will be seriously damaged by OSMF/DWG
> actions, because Europe has a very clear position of not recognising
> Crimeas annexation.
> 
>    It would also be nice to know how members of DWG voted, to have more
> information on their attitudes towards Russian aggression. This would
> be important for those having a vote. But I do not know how to do that
> correctly, so that not to cause personal damage and avoid bullying.
> 
>    I personally do not know how/if I can proceed with pushing
> OpenStreetMap to government or educational use...
>