What is Mapping?

It is an operation which associates elements of one set with the one/more elements of another set. When we talk about mapping in OpenStreetMap, the similar concept is followed. In that, we associate the real life objects (Home, Parks, Schools, Roads, Water bodies) to 2D elements like node, ways and polygons. This means that we can traverse any place virtually by looking at the map and can a get a sense of directions, locality, etc.

What are the objects which can be mapped?

It can be mapping different amenities, POIs, roads, buildings, water bodies, turn restrictions, different transport networks, Trees, Street lamps, so on. This list is never ending as each of them has a special purpose of being added in the map. The more detailed it is, the more it helps in understanding the place geographically.

How do we Map?

Basically there are two steps involved to map a place:

• Tracing - With the help of satellite imagery and tools like In-browser editor/JOSM, one is able to trace various buildings, roads, water bodies remotely. For learning JOSM, one can follow this blog.

• Tagging - Once we are done with tracing, we can start adding particular details like name, type, etc depending what kind of entity ( node / way / polygon) it is. If one is well familiar with the details of the place, then it can be done remotely. The best example for it will be mapping your hometown. For the mapping the unfamiliar places, Field mapping comes in picture. It is a technique in which a person goes to the actual area and maps it. There are mobile applications like OSMTracker, Vespucci which are helpful for field Mapping. One can also use the field papers. To learn more about field mapping, one can follow this blog.