Developing up-to-date global maps is challenging, but large companies such as Google have been leading the market for 18 years with google maps and the collaboration of its users. However, other technology companies such as Amazon, Goal, Microsoft and TomTom have formed an alliance with the Overture Maps Foundation to create an alternative.
This project has given its first results with the release of open source global maps. The idea is to offer an open source map data provider, complementary to OpenStreetMap rather than an alternative, allowing data from both to be combined to improve the quality and variety of available mapping information. Both initiatives can freely use each other’s data, thus promoting the joint development of solutions in the field of digital maps.
Although the alliance has taken a crucial step with its first release, the current challenge lies in keeping the data current due to the increasing requirements for accuracy, recency, and attribution in the maps. The collaboration between big tech companies is based on the idea of sharing map data to support the development of future applications. The Overture Maps Foundation also includes geospatial companies and cartography that help collect, select and clean the information to offer it under a standard and interoperable format.
Meta, Amazon and Microsoft create open source map
Currently, Google and Apple maintain a duopoly on mobile maps, offering access to their API for third parties to implement in their apps or services, but not including the underlying data. Overture seeks to address this by providing a dataset that serves as the basis for developing quality mapping software. This benefits augmented reality applications, delivery services, ride-sharing, and other fields.
The alpha version of this dataset is available for download and it can be freely used by any map company or location service provider, thus driving the development of innovative solutions in the field of digital maps.
Fountain: OvertureMaps
