Hi everyone im new to the OSM community but eager to contribute. Im curious how many of you use OSM on android phones and how you interact with it. I’m interested both in terms of contributing but also using it for its map functionality e.g. navigation. Based in my early research so far the most popular apps seem to be:
- OsmAnd
- Vespucci
- Maps.me
- StreetComplete
- Organic maps
- Magic Earth
Im really looking for your opinions on what apps are worth using and for what purpose. Do you just use one app or multiple apps for different purposes. Which app would you recommend to your tech savvy friend and which to your mum? There’s probably a bunch more i haven’t mentioned so please also highlight them and any strengths or weaknesses they have. Thanks 😊
I have all of them installed except maps. me… kind of looking for the best one myself
Editors:
Streetcomplete is for quickly contributing small details - very easy and user friendly.
Vespucci is for advanced editing - advanced. It has its uses on the go but i personally prefer using the web editor for bigger contributions
Maps:
Osmand. Feature packed but can be slow.
Organic - lighter weight. Updates the map monthly (or longer)
Magic earth - not open source, but that gives it the ability to pull traffic data from closed sources therefore apparently very good for driving navigation
Hey that’s really helpful thanks. I’ve also had most of them installed the last week and just trying them out (except not driving).
I agree street complete is really easy for quick edits, also organic maps for editing in a similar way to Google maps e.g. adding business opening hours, or business websites etc.
It’s interesting to learn Magic Earth is good for driving I may have to try it out. I’m currently mostly using organic for navigation.
Do you recommend using the advanced editing apps (Vespucci, OsmAnd) for editing or using the ID editor on the OSM website?
I’d say thats honestly down to personal preference… For shapes/ polygons and bulk edits, im better using my keyboard and mouse. I only use the editing apps on the go to fill the odd incomplete detail or add a node/ shop. But thats just me. Use what you find easiest and most appropriate :)