OpenStreetMap
Well it's been about three days or so since I joined up with the Open Street Map project. I've spent that time working out how to produce GPS traces as a GPX file that I can upload (DONE).
I'm using the "Nokia Sports Tracker" on my Nokia E90 (built-in GPS). I have that set-up on my dashboard as I drive around. You can see an E90 here... http://www.navigadget.com/index.php/2008/01/07/nokia-e90
Nokia Sports Tracker is really intended for people to track their jogging/walking/etc but it lends itself very effectively to the production of GPX files for OSM. You can get it here... http://sportstracker.nokia.com/nts/main/index.do
Any Nokia phone with a built-in GPS should work with this software.
For editing I'm just using the on-line editor (Potlatch) which I've found to be fine for my purposes so far. So far I've done the streets around my home ( osm.org/go/uF4AyEIK- ).
If anyone in the local area wants some help setting up a Nokia with the Sports Tracker software, just send me a message (through this site) and I'll be happy to help you out.
Mike Smith - dominoconsultant.org
Discussion
Comment from Lars Vegas on 26 August 2009 at 11:20
I also use the Nokia Sports Tracker with my E51 and a Nokia Bluetooth GPS mouse. One thing I don't like is the deep diving into the menu to store a GPX file. It should be possible to trigger an export on the highest level.
One other problem I have is that driving in a car produces very nice tracks while walking produces large deviations. But that must be a problem of the GPS mouse.
Comment from dominoconsultant on 26 August 2009 at 17:19
Lars, I didn't know this Nokia Bluetooth GPS thing existed. Seems like a good option for those without built-in GPS. I haven't done much OSM walking with the E90 yet so I can't comment on the granularity of the GPX track on foot yet.
Comment from amm on 26 August 2009 at 23:24
Welcome to the project! You might be interested in the fact that there are quite a few other programs for Nokia phones that allow you to record GPX files and more importantly also allow you to display OpenStreetMaps on your phone (either with or without internet connection). This can be quite useful when mapping, as you can see what has already been added and what still needs surveying. Some of these programs also can do routing or have other ways of helping you mapping. There is a nice list of available software (although rather lengthy) on the wiki at osm.wiki/Software/Mobilephones
The GPS accuracy is in general much worse at slow speeds like walking, but with a bit of interpretation is usually still ok if the environment isn't too difficult.
Have fun mapping your area!