Google starts charging for its maps, and an open source alternative -- with support from Microsoft -- begins to challenge Google's dominance.
OpenStreetMap is an open source wiki of maps and location data, much like Wikipedia is a wiki of information you find in an encyclopedia.
"In what seems to have been a surprise to everyone, the prices that Google asked of its heaviest Maps users apparently dwarf the revenue of at least some of those sites, which is leading to a very public move away from Google and to OpenStreetMap," writes author Christian Mims.
"Some areas, particularly in Europe, where contributing to OpenStreetMaps is something of a craze, its maps are updated more frequently than Google's maps, and contain vastly more detail."
The video above (produced by itoworld.com) shows edits made to OpenStreetMap in 2008 from contributors around the world.
FULL STORY: 'Wikipedia of Maps' Challenges Google
Google Expands Wheelchair Access Mapping
Offering prizes and status, Google wants to motivate Maps users to add information about wheelchair accessibility.
Google Maps' 'Interesting' New Feature
Google's new maps redesign calls out areas of interest, but is "interesting" just a euphemism for rich?
Visualizing the Spread of the OpenStreetMap Project
OpenStreetMap has released an animated map to illustrate the impressive growth of the project over the first ten years of its existence.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)