Overture Maps

#1

There is a new mapping initiative from the major tech firms aimed at standardizing the API for open map data.

It sounds like the Overture Foundation is unhappy with the OpenStreetMap data structure and wants to clean things up, saying, “Open map data can lack the structure needed to easily build map products. Overture will define and drive adoption of a common, well-structured, and documented data schema to create an easy-to-use ecosystem of map data.”

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#2

This is great news. While it’s somewhat rare, it’s nice when large tech companies get together to work on something that uplifts all of us (funding Blender, funding Linux kernel development … other stuff, I’m sure)

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#3

good to see that the back and forth with OSM here is also going to be done in a fair and mutually-beneficial way (at least in the press release)