OpenStreetMap
As a result of using Foreflight on my iPhone (great app, BTW!) it mentioned OpenStreetMap as the source for map tiles.
Being ever inquisitive I had a look, and couldn't find helipads! So I've added a couple, as an exercise in contributing to the project.
I only wish that I could find out how to add the icon that someone else had prepared. Maybe someone will read this and look at Strong Memorial Hospital and Geneva General Hospital and EDIT them!
So tonight (July 27th 2010) from 7 pm. EST I shall be at work on duty. It's entirely possible I shall visit Strong, as it's our local trauma center.
John
Discussion
Comment from Harry Wood on 27 July 2010 at 15:40
Hey CaptainKirk. Glad you found out about OpenStreetMap. Foreflight? Not heard of that app.
So you've correctly entered a node tagged with https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Tag:aeroway=helipad. There's no need to tag it with an icon file or anything. You can see it showing up on the osmarender layer.
It looks like the default Mapnik renderer is not showing an icon for helipad at the moment :-( another example helipad
Even so the data you contributed there was correct, and we welcome your contribution! It may also be that this Foreflight app will be able to use the data.
Comment from !i! on 27 July 2010 at 15:43
So this is the right time for your icon issue :)
osm.wiki/Project_of_the_week/2010/Jul_25
'Be artistic! Create icons for map features that aren't rendered already.'
BTW osmarender renders helipads already.
Comment from Sundance on 27 July 2010 at 16:40
I added some information I found on 2NY5, however it looks like there is another ground helipad by Wilmott Cancer Center, I couldn't find out any information about that one though or the Geneva Hospital one though.
Comment from CaptainKirk on 27 July 2010 at 16:56
Thank you for the comments, especially Harry Wood, seems I've been commented on by an celebrity in the Open Street Map project.
Small world, Harry. We lived near Archway some years ago, and Archway Motors sold me my first car, a green Mini Traveller with the wooden sides. Bought it with my RAF uniform allowance, and loved that car.
As for the icon, not seen it yet, but I'll just have to wait and see. I do have a large file of helipads in the eastern United States, and will do some editing when I'm on shift waiting for a call.
Cheers.
John Kirk
Comment from davetoo on 27 July 2010 at 21:26
Cap'n,
I hope you're not using OSM for navigation :)
(I still don't believe the official stories about why DAFIF was removed.)
Comment from CaptainKirk on 27 July 2010 at 22:49
LOL, Davetoo!
That would be fun! Navigation via laptop?
Cheers
Comment from !i! on 28 July 2010 at 17:46
Check this out Captain:
osm.org/?lat=54.07042&lon=12.10882&zoom=17&layers=O
Looked up Wikipedia, they refer to www.helipad.org collection
I try to get in contact with the people, may be they are willing to contribute to OSM.
Comment from CaptainKirk on 29 July 2010 at 14:15
Interesting, !i!. There is only one tag, heliport!
It's a layers thing, too! Can only see the layer when specifically selected.
Comment from Harry Wood on 30 July 2010 at 15:19
It's a shame we don't have any helicopter pilots involved in other countries (like the UK) It would be a good way to get a bit of cheeky aerial photography, but there's not much point strapping any cameras to your chopper. In the U.S. we're well served by Yahoo! imagery :-)
Comment from !i! on 30 July 2010 at 16:20
Well it's always a hard start, if it's working more will join, like always ;)
Are there any forums to promote for OSM?
Anybody willing to create a aeroway special map?