I believe it is is desirable for OSM to be used more regularly as a general map for routing to locations. Replacing proprietary mapping tools such as Google and Apple Maps. In order for it to become a viable replacement it needs a good data set of locations to route to. I’m sure a very uncontroversial opinion within this community.

In my home location of the Gold Coast, Australia, there is a severe lack of listed houses with marked addresses. A personal pain-stake of mine, for it is just not feasible to use OSM on my phone for driving directions.

So, I have decided to map theses addresses myself.

My first goal is to fully map out every house within the suburb of Palm Beach. At the time of writing I have already completed a stretch of blocks between Thrower Dr and Palm Beach Ave.

By mapping houses, I mean tracing building outlines via Aerial Imagery and assigning their corresponding address. I am collecting addresses by Local Knowledge and Surveys (walking down the streets, I figure, a good source of exercise). Additionally, I am tracing corresponding driveways.

My main goal is to list addresses but I will occasionally edit/add other data such as footpaths, playgrounds, benches, and any other points of personal interest I notice on my journeys.

I will attempt to keep changesets small, basically submitting one street at a time.

This is not an official declaration of an OSM Project. It’s just more of a personal scheme of mine. But I do welcome any nearby mappers to join in the fun, if they wish, and contribute housing addresses around the Gold Coast area.

Infrequent updates on this personal project will be added to my User Diary.