About OpenStreetMap (OSM)
PubSafe uses OSM for a variety of reasons, the most important being that is global and can be edited by anyone. If operating in remote parts of the world, this is an essential function. Users can add roads, trails, bridges, and a lot more as seen below. It does not mean Google, Bing and Here maps are not excellent in many ways, there is just a cost to them. We enable linking out to them whenever it makes sense.
- The map is free to use and edit which means we do not have to charge users. Google mapping is quite expensive and billed on a per-user basis and on the number of images displayed. An image is every change in the map zoom level. Zooming in may use 15 images in just a few seconds.
- Users can edit the map and the changes appear relatively quickly. Watch this video which demonstrates how OSM was used to map Haiti after their devastating earthquake in 2011. https://youtu.be/BwMM_vsA3aY
- Since OSM is built by users, you tend to get more interesting data and micro details important to rescue and relief operations