OpenStreetMap powers thousands of apps, routing engines, and humanitarian efforts—and it relies on everyday people to keep local data accurate. In this session, we’ll guide you through using the beginner-friendly iD Editor to make real, immediate edits to the map.
Join us for a low-key, collaborative evening to learn a useful technical skill, improve our local map data, and connect with the Hackforge community.
What You’ll Learn
- Editor Basics: Navigate the web-based iD Editor, understand satellite layers, and practice basic mapping workflow.
- OSM Data Structure: Learn how nodes, ways, and tags come together to represent real-world features.
- Community Etiquette: Understand best practices for collaborative editing.
- Hands-On Mapping: Practice adding useful information – like building addresses, speed limits, and sidewalks – directly to the live map.
How to Prepare
- Bring a laptop + power cord: This is an interactive session where you’ll learn by doing – tablets and phones aren’t the best for this work. (we will have a few laptops on hand in case you need to borrow one, though!)
- Create an OSM account beforehand: it’s free and takes tow minutes, but setting it up in advance will dave time during the workshop. (https://www.openstreetmap.org/user/new)
- No prior experience needed: Whether you’re a complete beginner or a data enthusiast looking to give back, everyone is welcome.
Location:
Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210)
RSVP
