OpenStreetMap
An introduction to OpenStreetMap in ArcGIS
What is Open StreetMap?
OpenStreetMap
OpenStreetMap (OSM) is a collaborative project to create a free, editable map of the world. This Storymap aims to explore the use of OpenStreetMap in the ArcGIS system.
We will consider how to access, download and utilise OSM data using ArcGIS tools. We will also take a look at how OSM data can be applied across various GIS applications.
Where did it begin?
OSM is built up of a community of mappers that contribute and maintain geographic information - it's essentially an open and editable map of the world.
Created in 2004, contributors use aerial imagery, GPS devices, and low-tech field maps to verify that OSM is accurate and up to date.
Anyone can contribute to OSM, and thousands of people add to the project every day. OSM currently has over 6 million users who have helped to contribute in excess of 4 billion points of spatial data.
OpenStreetMap and ArcGIS
Esri are putting an increasing focus on making OSM more accessible for ArcGIS users and improving the data on there.
Raster Basemap
For many years, Esri has included OpenStreetMap as one of the default basemaps in ArcGIS Online. The Basemap references a raster tile service hosted by the OSM Foundation that is updated frequently as contributors make edits to OSM.
However, with most of the raster basemaps now moving to mature support, the evolvement of vector tiles has been at the forefront. These vector tiles are also hosted by Esri in ArcGIS Online.
Advantages of using Vector Basemaps:
- Options to customise and style the map
- Tiles can adapt to any resolution of the display
- Updated on a regular cycle
- Easily build web maps and apps in minutes
Vector Basemaps and Daylight
There are several OSM vector basemaps data created and hosted by Esri in ArcGIS Online, but you can also find them in ArcGIS Living Atlas of the World. These basemaps are built using OSM data and come in a range of styles. These are also available in Web Mercator Auxiliary Sphere and GCS/WGS84 tiling schemes.
Earlier this year, Esri partnered with Daylight to provide a series of vector basemaps in 8 different styles. As of June, these OSM vector basemaps are now powered by OSM Daylight Distribution, which is supported by Facebook and supplemented with additional data from Microsoft.
A series of OpenStreetMap Vector Basemaps
You can read more about this change in one of our blogs - 'OpenStreetMap® Daylight: a community map with peace of mind '. Daylight involves additional data validation, additional open data (such as MS Building footprints) and regular updates which help improve data quality and consistency. Esri are also continuing to coordinate with partners to improve quality of OSM Daylight through the integration of authoritative data across the community.
Comparison of Daylight map (swiping in) with the regular OSM vector basemap in Dundee © OpenStreetMap contributors.
OpenStreetMap Daylight. This OSM Daylight map will be updated every month with the latest version of OSM Daylight data.
OSM Feature Layers
Esri have also provided a set of dynamic feature layers referencing OSM data that users can utilise for data visualisation, analysis and extraction. As the OSM Community make edits to the data, these ArcGIS feature layers are also updated. These layers can also be easily re-styled in ArcGIS Online and can be found in Living Atlas.
Currently, these layers are in beta and are grouped under different regions. During the beta period, Esri intends to add more layers to the group and make enhancements to improve functionality and performance.
Benefits of ArcGIS Online hosted OSM feature layers:
- More scalable and performant with high levels of usage
- Support additional capabilities for spatial analysis and extraction of features.
Here are some examples of OSM data below:
To find out more about the different types of feature layer services available check out this blog - ' OpenStreetMap® Feature Layers – a more flexible way of using open data '.
OpenStreetMap 3D Services
In addition to 2D datasets, Esri have recently created and hosted several 3D OpenStreetMap datasets. The datasets that have been added are "OpenStreetMap 3D Buildings", "OpenStreetMap 3D Trees (Realistic") and "OpenStreetMap 3D Trees (Thematic)". These datasets are currently in beta but can be used in ArcGIS Scene Viewer or ArcGIS Pro 3.0 to explore building and tree heights. These layers are updated every month and can be found in the Living Atlas.
How does OSM work?
Users of OpenStreetMap
As a crowdsourced dataset, users of OSM contribute to OpenStreetMap through various editing APIs. When you or any other user makes changes using editing software, this is communicated with a central OpenStreetMap database.
Because OSM is free and open, it is possible for anybody to download data from this database. As the database is so large, however, a 50,000-node limit is enforced for data downloaded from the server in one session.
'Nodes', 'Ways', 'Relations'
Users who contribute to OSM should have a basic understanding of how recording geographic information works. In OSM, this is based on types of geometry.
The geometry in OSM is described as Nodes, Open Ways and Closed Ways. The equivalent of these in a GIS system are Points, Polylines and Polygons.
Relations are used to model logical (and usually local) or geographic relationships between objects.
From left to right: Node, Open Way, Closed Way, Relation.
The Tagging System
OSM works off the basis of a 'tagging' system, that allows users to tag important information with a well known geographic concept.
A tag is comprised of a key and a value connected with an equals sign. Map features are then described with these tags, such as amenity=university, and highway=primary. Conventions are agreed on the meaning and use of tags within OSM. For a full list of the mapping tag features, visit this link.
The Tagging concept in OSM, consisting of a key and a value.
Knowing what keys and values are available in OSM enables you to understand what data might be important to you.
Extracting data in Desktop
ArcGIS Editor
The main way to extract and data would be through the use of ArcGIS Editor for OpenStreetMap (OSM Editor). It is a free, open-source add-on for ArcMap Desktop that helps you take advantage of the OpenStreetMap (OSM) dataset and become an active member of the growing OSM community. This tool allows you to access and edit OpenStreetMap data and perform GIS analysis.
ArcGIS Editor for Open StreetMap add-on
ArcGIS Editor for OpenStreetMap is only available for ArcMap version 10 and above with the Basic, Standard, or Advanced license. Here is a list of installation options based on your version.
What about ArcGIS Pro?
As of yet it is not possible to import OpenStreetMap (OSM) files to ArcGIS Pro. As a workaround, you need to use the Data Interoperability extension or ArcGIS Editor for OpenStreetMap (OSM) to import the OSM files to ArcGIS Pro.
For further support on setup check out this support article .
Applications
OSM can be used in various different ways from cartographic applications to spatial analysis. Due to the strong relationship between OSM and ArcGIS and the recent additions and improvements to the data hosted in ArcGIS Online, users have more flexibility in accessing reliable OSM data.
Spatial Analysis
In the below example, Points of Interest with the key 'leisure' and associated values relating to sporting facilities were extracted in Greater London. These were used to analyse residential buildings access to sporting facilities within 1km.
Residential accessibility to sporting facilities tagged in OSM under leisure facilities by combining query values; sports_centre, golf_course, pitch, stadium, track, water_park.
Cartography
You can even style OSM vector basemaps using the ArcGIS Vector Style Editor. More information on customizing Vector basemaps can be found via this link.
Using ArcGIS Vector Style Editor to style OSM.
The OpenStreetMap Vector basemap has great customization advantages. This can be useful for applications that do not need to show the full OSM dataset, or where colours and styles need to be altered to suit an organisation's mapping needs.
For example, browse the map below to see an example style of OSM where we have only made the 'green spaces' visible in the editor.
A copy of the OpenStreetMap Vector basemap, edited with the ArcGIS Vector Style Editor to only make 'green spaces' visible.
3D Services
OpenStreetMap 3D services allow you to add context to your scene. You can find out key attributes such as building/tree type, height and number of floors, symbolise the buildings by these attributes or, configure spatial filters.
The attributes available in OpenStreetMap 3D Buildings for The O2
There are lots of blogs detailing how you can make the most of the OpenStreetMap 3D services. This blog is particularly useful on how to use the 3D Buildings layer to add context to your scene.
3D datasets comparison
The two main providers of national 3D data are OpenStreetMap 3D Buildings and OS MasterMap 3D Basemap and Data . Both datasets provide key information on the height of buildings, but differ slightly in the level of detail offered.
OpenStreetMap
- Less detailed buildings
- Includes building height, number of floors and building type
- Available on the Living Atlas
MasterMap
- More detailed buildings
- Does not include the number of floors
- Includes information on the ground height (AbhMin) and building's maximum height (AbhMax)
- Premium dataset
OpenStreetMap 3D Buildings - Millenium House
OS MasterMap 3D Basemap and Data - Millenium House
To find out more information on the OS 3D Basemap, check out the item on Marketplace or contact content@esriuk.com.
Contributing to OSM
OpenStreetMap is free to anyone to contribute and there are several opportunities for users to participate. Custodians of important geographical information are important contributors to OpenStreetMap.
1. Provide recommendations for additional datasets
If you have an idea about what dataset you would like to see, get in touch with us on osm@esri.com.
2. Coordinate with Esri to publish OSM data
Contact osm@esri.com if you would like an ArcGIS account to publish data for OSM.
3. Review and provide feedback on existing ArcGIS OSM datasets
Review ArcGIS datasets on wiki, view or download processed data, add feedback to discussion.
Other ways to contribute:
To keep up to date with the latest information on what's new read our blog.
Want to get more out of your data?
If you don’t have the time of capability to download large volumes of data, but would like to have the data to use offline, then the Esri UK Content Team can help.
We provide an authoritative collection of ArcGIS-ready, global location data. Whether you're creating stunning visuals, powering data analysis, or building interactive apps - we're here to support your workflows.
Get in touch with content@esriuk.com to discuss your requirements.
