OSM – OpenStreetMap

The OSM – OpenStreetMap plugin for WordPress makes it easy to embed OSM maps, markers, highlighting areas and points of interest, in posts and pages. This plugin is fast, lightweight and feature-rich!

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What We Think:

92%

Very highly recommended!

OSM – OpenStreetMap: A Comprehensive Review

The advent of web mapping technology has revolutionized the manner in which information is collected, accessed and shared. One of the most popular open source mapping frameworks is OSM – OpenStreetMap. This web mapping platform is supported by an active international community of mappers. It provides free geographic data to anyone who wants to use it, allowing them to generate maps and support other projects related to geographic data. WordPress is still one of the most popular content management systems available, and a plugin called OSM – OpenStreetMap integrates OSM mapping technology into websites created with WordPress.

OSM – OpenStreetMap: Breakdown

OSM – OpenStreetMap is a plugin that allows users to include geographical data, maps, and routes from the OpenStreetMap project in their WordPress-based websites and blogs. It’s easy to install and configure on WordPress-based websites, and requires no additional programming knowledge to use. With the plugin, users can embed up to 12 different types of map views in their websites, including street map views, terrain views, hybrid views, and satellite views. It’s easy to customize the look and feel of the maps by changing the type and style of the maps, the zoom level, and the control available for the user. The plugin includes powerful editing tools that enable users to add markers and points of interest, and they can also add interactive navigation links for users to quickly move from one map view to another. Further, users can integrate directions and route mapping services, and even explore 3D views of buildings and terrain.

The plugin includes a powerful widget system for displaying maps in WordPress page templates and sidebar areas. This widget system is especially useful for easily displaying interactive contact information and maps in WordPress-based websites. Finally, the plugin also includes a shortcode generator which can be used to generate custom shortcodes to display maps on pages. Shortcodes can be used to modify the maps’ look and feel, and to add additional attributes such as width, height, zoom level, and border style.

Pros of Using OSM – OpenStreetMap

Open-source & Free: OpenStreetMap is completely open-source and free for everyone to use. There are no licensing fees or usage charges associated with using it, and the entire codebase is publicly accessible, allowing for complete transparency.

Comprehensive Coverage: OSM covers a lot of ground. Much of the world has been extensively mapped, with smaller, contested areas and new places constantly being added. It includes most of the populated places on the planet Earth, including streets, highways, railways, waterways, buildings, parks, points of interest, and more.

Community-Built Database: The data used in OSM is not provided by any single company or organization but sourced from a large, global, community-built database. That means that the accuracy of the information increases with more input, making it a more reliable source for data.

Flexible Data Formats: OSM provides access to its data in a number of different formats, allowing for maximum flexibility when working with the data. These formats include .osm, .json, .yaml, or .csv, and can easily be used with any programming language or API.

Easy to Use & Integrate: Despite being incredibly powerful, OSM is very easy to use and integrate into a project. With access to such detailed maps and geographical data, it’s a powerful tool for businesses, developers, and organizations that need maps and geographical data quickly and easily.

Cons of Using OSM – OpenStreetMap

Cost of Use: Although the OSM – OpenStreetMap plugin is free to use, there are costs associated with it in the form of cost for hosting, which can be quite expensive. If you're uploading large amounts of data it can cost more than if you were to use a paid provider. This can make it difficult to budget for, as the cost can vary greatly depending on your data. Additionally, there are costs associated with maintaining the plugin over time, as changes and updates are required to ensure it continues to work properly.

Data Quality: The accuracy of the data provided by OSM – OpenStreetMap can vary greatly, depending on the region you're searching for. More sparsely populated areas may not have as much data available, and the data available may not be as accurate. This can make it difficult to accurately search for the information you need, and may require more time and effort to locate it.

Lack of Professional Support: Since OSM – OpenStreetMap is an open-source plugin, it doesn't come with a dedicated team of professionals to help you set it up and manage it. This means that if you run into any technical issues, it can be difficult to troubleshoot and fix the problem as there's no one dedicated to providing support.

Inconsistent Coverage: Given the varying quality of data provided by OSM – OpenStreetMap, it may not provide the level of coverage you need. There could also be gaps in the data where it may be incomplete or incorrect. This makes it difficult to rely on the plugin for accurate, up-to-date information.

Requires Technical Expertise: In order to use OSM – OpenStreetMap effectively, you'll need to have at least a basic understanding of coding and web development. This isn't always something that all users possess, and makes the plugin difficult to use for those who are unfamiliar with this type of technology. Additionally, the complexity of the data can make it difficult to understand and utilize.

92% Very highly recommended!

In conclusion

OSM – OpenStreetMap is an incredibly powerful plugin that can be used to easily embed maps and geographical data into WordPress-based websites. It provides a wide range of features and customization options that give users the ability to create maps and routes that fit the design of their website. With a range of widgets and shortcode generators, it’s easy to display and manage maps on any page or post. OSM – OpenStreetMap is an indispensable tool for webmasters wanting to integrate OSM technology in their websites.

Plugin Specifications

Version: 6.0.2
Last Updated: 9 months ago
Installs: 10,000+
WP Version: 3.0+
Tested Until: 6.4.0
PHP Version: 5.3 or higher

Use Case Examples

Planning Multipurpose Events
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The OSM – OpenStreetMap plugin is an excellent solution for planners interested in visualising their plans for upcoming events. The plugin enables the input of location-specific data and provides a user-friendly interface to map out areas for events such as parks, corporate spaces, and other outdoor venues. It also allows users to provide details such as the type of event (such as musical or sports events), begin and end times, and even ticket pricing information. With this plugin, event planners are able to easily identify the best location for their venture in no time.
Mapping Out Tourist Sites
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Creating Custom Marketing Maps
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Facilitate Location Sharing
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Design a Geographically Accurate News Story
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