OpenStreetMap
At the company that I work for at the moment I'm involved in a project to use OpenStreetMap (OSM) data for implementing mapping and routing services.
Up to this point we implemented several useful OMS-tools in a C# library. C# is the language and .NET is the framework used at this company.
But yesterday, for the fist time, we got some first feedback from the users in the field to update the actual maps. To optimize delivery rounds users sometimes go into the field to write down the housenumbers for entire streets. The way addresses can be located in the system can be optimized. This is an excellent way to provide feedback of useful information to OSM and in a way contribute back to the project and the data we are using. They also take a GPS-tracing device (GT-31) so adding the streets they visited can also be done.
About the licence; I have a signed consent form stating that changes can be made to OSM based on the information gathered by the employees here!
Discussion
Comment from Sanderd17 on 17 November 2010 at 13:56
It's great to hear that. Addresses are really needed in Flanders' OSM. The road network is near complete but There are not many addresses available. I think this is because it isn't appealing to map addresses. They don't appear very clear on the map. They are almost uniquely used for routing.
If you need help to automate some things, you can ask for help via the mailing lists. E.g. http://lists.openstreetmap.org/listinfo/osm-professional
Comment from Ben Abelshausen on 17 November 2010 at 14:00
I think the appearance can still be changed. I do have some issues with the way addresses are mapped and especially the way they are linked to a street (addr:street -tag). I'm thinking about using a relation for this.
I should be able to collect address data in though this way for antwerp-ghent and brussels!
Comment from Sanderd17 on 17 November 2010 at 20:50
I believe the addr:street tag is more natural than a relation to mappers. Certainly in the case of address nodes. In the case of address interpolation, a relation would be better I guess.
Interpolations are an aspect of the street, an address is an aspect of a node. Hence the difference.
I'm thankful that your company is willing to share data with OSM.
I hope it all goes well,
regards,
Sander
BTW, do you only make software on demand? or do you have some standard software packages too? Since I can't find anything on the site, I believe it's the first.
Comment from Ben Abelshausen on 18 November 2010 at 08:28
I agree with your view on the addr:street tag.
I'm thinking of releasing some of the code I have written and used up until now but I need to reach an understanding with my employer before I do so...
I will definitely post another user story or mail to the osm-professional mailing list if anything changes.