Mapbox has proudly been a part of the OpenStreetMap (OSM) community for over a decade, consistently sponsoring, attending, and showcasing our innovations at the State of the Map U.S. (SoTM US) conference. Check out our recent blog post for a recap of our participation at SoTM US 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
For the first time this year, Mapbox attended State of the Map Europe in Łódź, Poland. Ivan Sasunkevich and I were thrilled to join this vibrant community event, sponsored by Mapbox. Over three days, mappers, developers, and corporate members gathered to discuss the latest developments in the European geospatial landscape.
“The close collaboration between corporate members and the OSM community is essential for the continuous improvement of European mapping data. The introduction of new technologies, professional expertise, and financial support from corporate members are incredibly valuable to our volunteer community. At OSM Europe, we deeply appreciate ongoing support that Mapbox provides for the OpenStreetMap community. We were thrilled with Mapbox assistance in hosting the conference and delighted to have the opportunity to meet in person.” - Włodzimierz Bartczak, Vice President, OpenStreetMap Poland
Key highlights from SoTM EU 2024
The conference highlighted the importance of the collaborative relationship between the OSM community and corporate members. Corporations enhance the ecosystem by improving data quality, developing tools, and supporting community initiatives. Another popular discussion was about the balance between corporate contributions and community values, ensuring OSM remains a reliable and innovative resource.
AI's growing role in mapping was another major focus. The conference explored how AI can aid in data validation, error detection, and complex analysis. AI tools can significantly improve mapping tasks' efficiency and accuracy, benefiting both the OSM community and corporate partners.
The conference highlighted the need to make mapping in OpenStreetMap enjoyable again. With tools like Every Door and GeoScribble, newcomers can easily contribute, and gamification makes the process more engaging. Emphasizing community events and interactive applications can further enhance participation and collaboration.
The conference also marked an early ‘Happy Birthday’ to OpenStreetMap, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in August.
Looking ahead to more OSM events
Mapbox continues to be a dedicated contributor and sponsor within the global geospatial community, including the OSM Foundation and SoTM conferences. We are excited to continue our journey together, fostering innovation and staying connected with the community as we shape the future of mapping together.
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Maps feature data from Mapbox © Mapbox, OpenStreetMap © OpenStreetMap and their data partners, including Maxar (if applicable, © Maxar).
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