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."
This video (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.
The End of Single-Family Zoning in California
Despite a few high-profile failures, the California State Legislature has approved a steady drumbeat of pro-development reforms that loosen zoning restrictions. The state raised the stakes on its zoning reforms this week.
Building on Jacobs: The City Emergent; Beyond Streets and Buildings
A science of cities reveals the way cities grow, and why.
The Physical Security Challenges of Smart Cities
There’s no doubt that a smart city’s network will be ultra-responsive, fast, and reliable. Can the same be said for the physical security measures needed?
Boston University Metropolitan College
BRAILSFORD & DUNLAVEY
Department of Planning & Urban Development
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Edtalkradio
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Hillsborough County Public Schools
City of Raleigh
City of Laramie, Wyoming and Albany County Wyoming
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.
Hand Drawing Master Plans
This course aims to provide an introduction into Urban Design Sketching focused on how to hand draw master plans using a mix of colored markers.
