OpenStreetMap is a collaborative project to create a free and editable map of the world. It was started in London by Steve Coast in 2004, when detailed digital maps were mostly owned by governments and companies and could not be used freely. Volunteers collect data with GPS devices, aerial imagery and local knowledge, and the information is stored in an open database now released under the Open Database Licence. The project is often compared to Wikipedia, and it is used by many websites, apps and organisations. Humanitarian mappers have also used it in emergencies, as after the 2010 Haiti earthquake, to map areas where rescue teams were needed.
Before and after
- 1 July 2004Cassini enters orbit around Saturn and Huygens lands on Titan
- 29 July 2004Founding of Meta Platforms
- 3 August 2004Launch of MESSENGER
- 5 August 2004Construction of Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport
- 9 August 2004Release of OpenStreetMap
- 25 August 2004Discovery of Mu Arae c
- 31 August 2004Beersheba bus bombings
- from 31 August 2004 to 27 May 2005Premiere of Father of the Pride
- September 2004Beslan school siege
More in Science & technology
- 1945Discovery of promethium
- 1950Discovery of californium
- 1952Discovery of einsteinium
- December 1952Discovery of fermium
- 1958Discovery of nobelium
- June 2002Discovery of oganesson
The era
This moment belongs to the Contemporary world (1945 CE to today), the world since 1945. You can also browse everything in the 21st century.