2025-11-15 –, Way
An exploration of how can we derive data for objects which are not mapped, or tagged explicitly, from OpenStreet.
Over 21 years a significant consensus has emerged as to the granularity and level of detail which is mapped on OSM. This approximates to what is represented on traditional maps at scales between 1:2,500 and 1:10,000. A consequence is that we do not map explicitly many larger things which are obvious, albeit implicit, to someone using a rendered map.
However usable implicit data is for humans, for many purposes we need to find ways to make these data concrete.
This talk explores various examples of such data, such as urban areas, waterway centrelines, avenues of trees, and hydrographic basins, and a variety of techniques to make useful derived datasets from OSM.
derived data, water basins, urban areas
Jerry Clough has been interested in maps since the age of 4. His professional background was in scientific research (Embryology, Genetics and Computer Science) and business consultancy. He is an enthusiastic amateur naturalist. OSM has formed a natural nexus for these interests since 2008.