BayGeo's Introduction to OpenStreetMap (Fall 2025)

Overview:

OpenStreetMap is more than a basemap.... it’s the Wikipedia of maps: an unparalleled global collaboration between volunteers and GIS professionals. By participating in OSM, you can have a lasting impact on the local community while learning basic skills that apply to other GIS platforms. Learn how to make sense of OSM’s open data and contribute to the project like a pro from a veteran mapper from the Bay Area.

Workshop Dates:

• Monday, November 3 (6:00 - 9:00 p.m. PST) - class meets on Zoom
• Monday, November 10 (6:00 - 9:00 p.m. PST) - class meets on Zoom
• Monday, November 17 (6:00 - 9:00 p.m. PST) - class meets on Zoom

Lesson Plan:

Day one: becoming a mapper

• What is OpenStreetMap?
• Making your first edits in iD
• Exploring sources of imagery
• Querying data using the Overpass turbo wizard

Day two: OSM for analysis

• Understanding the OSM data model
• More advanced queries using OverpassQL
• Deep dive into a specialized tagging scheme like navigation, mobility, or 3D buildings (depending on who signs up)

Day three: skills for importing

• Getting started with JOSM
• Converting external data to OSM format
• Crafting a MapRoulette challenge

Meet your Instructor: Minh Nguyen

Minh has over 15 years of experience contributing to OpenStreetMap as a mapper and community organizer. He leads the South Bay’s OSM community as part of Open Source San José. He also coordinates OSM’s core software development efforts for the OpenStreetMap Foundation, the global nonprofit that supports the OSM project.