I want to ask the group if it would be useful to add some editing to the Openstreetmaps. Such as when I design - or ask for - a route, some of the cues state turns like: "Turn into minor road". If I go to Google maps, I can then see the actual name of that 'minor road. I could then - if I signed up to Openstreetmaps - add the name of that street/road to the Open maps. Would that be a useful worthwhile endevour or not, since anyone could compare Google with Open to obtain the same information?
Comments
OpenStreetMap is 100% editable – everything on the maps has been edited by a volunteer contributor. You can go to openstreetmap.org to edit it. cycle.travel usually takes an update from OSM every month or so.
Note, however, that it is completely forbidden to copy street names or other details from Google Maps into OSM. Google Maps is copyrighted and their terms of use prohibit it. You can add street names from your own knowledge or from the approved sources which are built into the OSM map editor.
I am quite sure no copyright law anywhere can prohibit me using a street name in any way I choose that has been in existence for hundreds of years, not even the almighty Google.
Please, please, please, do not copy from Google. It puts the whole OSM project at risk. OSM has been going for 20 years and has lots of experience in copyright and contract law – please don’t assume you know better than they do.
Oh, well I was just stating an opinion which is supported by centuries of common law. But, if it offends you, I will drop out. Sorry to have upset. Thanks.
Ken you may of course add street names in osm if you have verified them correctly yourself.
What Richard means is that you do not copy street names as Google maps writes them down. Suppose Google mistakes a street name, it is not your intention to copy that mistake. Those Google slobs sometimes edit such cunning tricks that it is immediately obvious that you have copied them. Also with their maps there are sometimes small deviations whether or not they provoke them.