OpenStreetMap
Is there any way at all to see your results semi-immediately via Mapnik? Osmarender seems to do a poor job of placing close-knit features (pubs and restaurants close to each other).
I am Linux-conversant and could install a virtual machine etc, if that's what it takes!
Discussion
Comment from Adam Killian on 25 September 2008 at 13:39
You might want to look through the wiki for directions for installing mapnik, and all the database bits.
I think most of what you need to know is in the Deploying your own slippymap article.
Comment from CoreyBurger on 25 September 2008 at 13:39
You can install Mapnik, pull down either the whole planet plus the daily diff or even just a chunk via the api, then push it into mapnik.
Comment from tenzarelli on 25 September 2008 at 13:57
Thanks to both of you, not sure if you'll see this comment on my own diary item, but if you do - thanks :)
Comment from smsm1 on 25 September 2008 at 15:15
The alternative would be to look at the data layer, by clicking the plus on the top right of the openstreetmap home page, and then checking the data layer.
Comment from Gavin on 25 September 2008 at 18:17
Apologies if you have already considered it but Kosmos may do the job with a lot less work (designed as a desktop rather than server application)
osm.wiki/index.php/Kosmos