OpenStreetMap starts with directions on its own site

OpenStreetMap has started integrating directions on its own site. The service uses third-party directions and hopes the addition will lead to more improvements from users.

Dan Stowell of the team behind OpenStreetMap, or OSM, recognizes that directions have been offered for many years and that the goal of OSM is to provide open data that others can use. At the same time, he says adding the directions is a big step, because users are now encouraged to contribute improvements rather than using the services of third parties.

“The end effect is to improve the quality of OSM route data,” said Stowell, saying everyone will benefit. Also, many users would not realize that many third party services are based on OSM and expanding their own site could change this. Currently, OpenStreetMap integrates directions for pedestrians, vehicles, and bicycles. The services include OSRM, MapQuest and GraphHopper.