In downtown Minneapolis, MN, USA, there are 80 linked blocks of connected buildings, making up the largest distance of indoor navigation in the world^[1]. The “Skyways” are a mix of interior hallways, unmarked tunnels, stairs, pedway bridges, and occasionally outdoor 2nd Floor paths which connect hundreds of local businesses. Each building sets its own hours and holiday schedules for it’s portion of the skyway.

There have been a few PDF maps and maybe a defunct app here and there. Sometimes the city publishes a list of businesses as PDF. But to truly improve the skyway, data needs to be accurate, editable, and updated for ever-changing city.

Skyway.run

I created Skyway.run (a web app) to make the skyway easy and fun to use. And an app that is easy to improve.

The app includes walking navigation filtered only to the skyway system, and highlights the changing hours and holiday/event schedule of each building. You can click a building and see the businesses inside, and easily jump to OSM to update the data.

Now I need help mapping the skyways.

Improving Skyway Data

OpenStreetMap is the data source for Skyway.run, and anyone can enroll as an editor to OSM. Once you create an account, there are a few ways you can help improve the data of the skyway:

• Delete businesses that are no longer operational and add new businesses moving in.
• Change the opening_hours for buildings and businesses as you walk past their signage.
• Update the walking footpaths and building shapes of the skyway system itself.

Starting with small changes like updating a business node is the best way to learn OSM editing. There are several editors for making changes, and each one has its own strengths. Try them out based on how you plan to map:

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