Nikita Karamov

The street that my mum lives in is a one-way street, but wasn't marked as such on #Google Maps. This caused many drivers to drive the wrong way. I have tried to edit it on Google Maps (there is such functionality), but to no avail. No matter how often I submitted a change (with photos of street signs!), Google said "Sorry, we could not verify it".

Solution: Edit the street on #OpenStreetMap! A few months after I did this, Google seems to have stolen the data, as it regularly does, and now the street is correct in both datasets!

Jun 22, 2025 at 10:02amWeb
Show threadEloy.Jun 22, 2025
@kytta that is hilarious lmao
Show threadГригорий КлюшниковJun 22, 2025
Could they please also steal the shapes of buildings that don't fall into the river? It's been like that for at least 4 years. In general, Google Maps are broken like that at least in St Petersburg and Dubai. They were fine in Paris, Brussels and Cologne when I visited Europe last year but I still had trust issues.
Show threadderptronJun 22, 2025

@grishka @kytta I used OSM on a pine phone a few years ago and it just plain didn't work. I think it was mainly the GPS, not the maps.

This is the first time I'm trying it out here on desktop and it's INCREDIBLY better than google maps. Just vastly superior. You just won't see any reviews or linkbacks and adverts and crap. Also no street view, which I do find useful when going somewhere I don't know, and no satellite view I can see.

I'm going to just go ahead and make the switch.

Show threadTóth Gábor BaltazárJun 22, 2025

@crazyeddie @grishka @kytta
on android try comaps

it is in fdroid, no idea about the play store

Show threadElrick_WinterJun 23, 2025
@tthbaltazar @crazyeddie @grishka @kytta CoMaps is on Google play store as well. It currently has problems with public transport (at least in several areas in Germany). They are actively working on that.
Show threadeconadsJun 22, 2025

@crazyeddie
OSM is just the underlying maps (data). It's used by several applications, so it could just be that the one you had wasn't great. I'm using organic maps and it's usually ok.

@grishka @kytta

Show threadMarcos DioneJun 22, 2025
@crazyeddie @grishka @kytta beware OSM is not an app, but the the data behind. The site is more of a demo than a final product. Try the specific implementations for whatever you want to do. If unsure, just ask with #OpenStreetMap and we'll help you. Just don't expect traffic data because the amount of users is not significant enough, so nobody is doing that yet (OK, yes, a couple of more closed source products might do).
Show threadLindienJun 22, 2025
@crazyeddie
There is https://panoramax.fr/ which aims to be a fedetated alternative to streetview. It needs to be integrated in more apps.
Panoramax

Panoramax fédère les initiatives (des collectivités, des contributeurs OSM, de l’IGN...) pour favoriser l'émergence d'un géocommun de bases de vues immersives.

Show threadderptronJun 23, 2025
@Lindien Some solitary individual has been mapping out the west side of the US. If you look down at the car it's the same one every time. They've gotten around quite a bit.
Show threadLindienJun 23, 2025
@crazyeddie
Yes. This is a young project born in France. So you can expect good coverage in France. But there is a need to build other communities to take care of other part of the world.
Show threadderptronJun 23, 2025
@Lindien Yeah, gonna try to chip in. Can't let it just be one person. No promises. I almost never act on my goals.
Show threadbigblenJun 23, 2025
@crazyeddie @grishka @kytta
"no satellite view" is true in the viewer.
But if you 'need' to see a satellite view, you can log in and switch to Edit mode.
You should get one, and maybe a choice of several sources of imagery.
Yes, I know it is not really easy.
Show threadSimon PooleJun 23, 2025
@crazyeddie @grishka @kytta a more end user targeted web app is https://osmapp.org/ (supports category search etc.).
OsmAPP

An open-source map of the world based on the OpenStreetMap database. Features a search, clickable points of interest, in-app map edits, and more!

OsmAPP
Show threadJakob (Jack/Jackie)Jun 23, 2025
@crazyeddie @grishka @kytta The Pinephone uses the builtin GNSS of the LTE modem afaik. And the builtin GNSS of the EG25-G is utter garbage (we use it at work).
I don't think OSM deserves any blame there :P
Show threadderptronJun 23, 2025
@jakob @grishka @kytta Yeah, it was shit :p
Show threadChristian Quest 🌍Jun 23, 2025
@crazyeddie @grishka @kytta no enshitification on #OpenStreetMap !
Show threadbarefootstacheJun 24, 2025

@crazyeddie

If looking for street view, #mapillary and #PANORAMAX are options.

Some OpenStreetMap apps like #OsmAnd have street view directly integrated, in this case it's via Mapillary.

@grishka @kytta

Show threadQuinn9282 🖥️🌙✌️Jun 22, 2025
@grishka @kytta I've noticed that issue as well with buildings on Google Maps. There's also weird problems with parts of existing buildings being missing/displayed wrong, or really old buildings that were demolished years ago still showing up on the map. I don't know where Google actually sources the data for buildings on the map, but it's obviously not a super great source if anything.
Show threadГригорий КлюшниковJun 22, 2025

Quinn9282, I feel like the map quality took a dip when they started generating building outlines with AI or some other crap from satellite images. Google used to have good maps of all cities.

Now, in Russia this isn't much of a problem. Everyone is using Yandex maps anyway. Those are so precise they show correct road markings on streets. But in UAE, with similarly misplaced and misshapen everything, many people, including taxi drivers, actually use Google Maps for navigation. That's legitimately scary.

Show threadeidoliesJun 22, 2025
@grishka @kytta I'm fine with failing French businesses falling into the river.
Show threadAlexisJun 22, 2025

@kytta

You are lucky. I made a complete list of French roads, one way streets, supermarkets etc... false in #googlemaps, good in #openstreetmap, and impossible to edit. https://rivals.space/@Reuillois/113986640628874366

Alexis (@[email protected])

Je ne vous partagerai pas ici l'image du Golfe du Mexique renommé dans Google Maps. Mais il s'en est suivi un débat légitime sur le boycott de ce service. Je crois qu'en l'état je pourrai difficilement m'en passer sur mon téléphone, mais va pour l'ordi. Et je voudrai rajouter que s'il faut essayer de se passer de Google Maps, ce n'est pas seulement pour leur soumission au fascisme américain, c'est aussi que c'est un très mauvais service. Un petit fil avec des comparatifs avec OpenStreetMap. #GoogleMaps #Openstreetmap #golfedumexique #gulfofmexico

RIVALS.SPACE
Show threadPersonneJun 22, 2025

@kytta

*gasps*
A private corporation taking advantage of free, collective labour and assets, for their private profit?!

I'm shocked, shocked, I say!

Show threadJoão PinheiroJun 22, 2025
@per_sonne That’s something I had never heard of before! I’m impressed!
Show threadPersonneJun 22, 2025

@joao

Dare I say, I'm flabbergasted. Even discombobulated.

Show threadJoão PinheiroJun 22, 2025
@per_sonne Solution: stop using Google maps!
Show threadRob LEACHJun 22, 2025
@kytta Openstreetmap has a lot more off road detail than Google too.
Show threadFalling forward 🍉Jun 22, 2025
@kytta
Now do Gulf of America
Show threadKill cars for climate!Jun 22, 2025
@kytta you can't steal open data.
Show threadjoostetoJun 22, 2025

@andrej @kytta
You can steal open data, if you put it on your own website and then claim it's your data, and no-one can copy it, as google does.

As described on the OSM copyright page:

"If you alter or build upon our data, you may distribute the result only under the same license."

https://www.openstreetmap.org/copyright

Copyright and License

OpenStreetMap is a map of the world, created by people like you and free to use under an open license.

OpenStreetMap
Show threadMatej ZavršnikJun 22, 2025
@joosteto @andrej @kytta You could sue Google. Sure they probably have better lawyers than you can buy and they can drag on the process practically forever. But in theory, stealing is wrong.
Show threadLord Caramac the Clueless, KSCJun 22, 2025
@joosteto @andrej @kytta That's the very idea of copyleft licenses: To create an intellectual commons instead of intellectual property. Whoever takes copylefted content and uses it to create derivative content must publish it under the very same license, or they are in violation of the law.
Show threadEloy.Jun 22, 2025
@LordCaramac @joosteto @andrej @kytta I'm not sure if OSM can be considered a creative work, it might fall under the scope of database rights which do not exist in US law
Show threadDave McJun 22, 2025
@eloy @LordCaramac @joosteto @andrej @kytta mapping tends to be well protected. Primarily because it was largely a military intelligence asset.
Show threadMacCruiskeenJun 22, 2025
@joosteto @andrej @kytta but an individual fact of data, like whether or not a particular street was one way, would have no copyright protection by itself. There’s no ownership, so no theft.
Show threadalex.tmJun 22, 2025

@maccruiskeen @joosteto @andrej @kytta The “theft” is of the work and time that it took to put together and proof the data, not the fact that certain streets are one way or not. Is Google’s behaviour actually legal? No idea. Is it ethical? Fuck no.

It’s always strange watching people rush to defend huge corporations that don’t give a shit about any one else.

Show threadMacCruiskeenJun 22, 2025
@alextm So, you voluntarily gave public information to an open database, and complain that someone else used it? Because you don't like them? Did you put that condition on OSM?
Show threadalex.tmJun 22, 2025

@maccruiskeen Did the people contributing think they were helping an open source project, or working for free for an incredibly profitable corporation with numerous ethical issues?

Personally I’d think twice about the latter scenario.

Edit: it’s also very likely the type of people who know about and contribute to an open source mapping project already have concerns about Google. Otherwise they likely wouldn’t even know there’s an alternative to Google/Apple maps.

Show threadMacCruiskeenJun 22, 2025
@alextm None of that really matters, because the data being contributed is *public domain* information. Which means you can't really put constraints on its use. You can *claim* to, but those claims will be *very* weak and limited.
Show threadalex.tmJun 22, 2025
@maccruiskeen As previously stated, I’m not arguing the legality of this.
Show threadRihards OlupsJun 22, 2025
@maccruiskeen @alextm Yes, OSM data has a licence and attribution requirements.
Show threadDisco SexualJun 23, 2025
@maccruiskeen @alextm
It's just scummy
Show threadECHAEAJun 23, 2025
@joosteto @andrej @kytta
15 years ago, a novel by Michel Houellebecq was published under a libre license because it had entire pages of Wikipedia content.
https://www.numerama.com/politique/17508-houellebecq-sous-licence-libre-n-est-plus-en-libre-acces.html
Houellebecq "sous licence libre" n'est plus en libre accès

Mise en ligne sous une licence libre, la copie du dernier roman de Michel Houellebecq a finalement été retirée du blog personnel de Florent Gallaire. Menacé par une action en justice de la part de Flammarion, celui-ci reste convaincu de la pertinence de son raisonnement basé sur le principe de viralité des licences

Numerama
Show threadTakiro 🎨Jun 22, 2025
@andrej @kytta
So it's just stolen labor then.
Show threadPēteris KrišjānisJul 1, 2025
@andrej @kytta if they say they include OpenStreetMap data and provide attribution that is fine.
I am not sure Google Maps do that.
Show threadkliyo erinaJun 22, 2025
@kytta many a thankless volunteer end up reaping plenty for companies, and they never even bother to care for their crops. turns out, they're just vermin

good tact to think of alternative sitches though, glad it's all sorted out now
Show threadVincent 🌻🇪🇺 en 🌹☘️Jun 22, 2025
@kytta Use the greedy thieving bastards to your advantage, I guess
Show threadGöttergattinnengatteJun 22, 2025
@kytta that's a great hint, thank you! I have a similar Situation here, Google decided last summer, that the street where I live in, is not longer accessible by car, which makes route planning impossible. Great problem with parcel delivery services...
I will have a look at OSM and will see, what I can do.
Show threadClub de TéléMatique Jun 22, 2025

@kytta

it shouldn't, but this is fucking brilliant !!! 🙂

weel done !!

Show threadHaraldJun 22, 2025
@kytta Good hint. Have a similar issue here. Pity OSM is 100% perfect already with bollards and footpath where Google shows a regular road.🤦‍♀️ I wish they would just copy this.
Show threadSnailJun 22, 2025

@kytta I once spent a while correcting the location and other details of a hall I was stood in at the time.

They were accepted but the next time I was there I noticed it had reverted to the incorrect location and details.

Now I'm wondering if it's correct in OSM or if I need to correct it there first!

Show threadDamon L. WakesJun 22, 2025
@kytta Don't some maps include fake place names so that copying can be detected? I wonder if #OpenStreetMap could do the same...
Show threadAdamJun 23, 2025

@DamonWakes @kytta

Yeah and not just maps. Even search engines like *checks notes* Google can pull this type of trick to back up accusations of copying

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/hiybbprqag-how-google-tripped-up-microsoft

@cptbutton

"Hiybbprqag?" How Google Tripped Up Microsoft

Google Details the Sleuthing Procedure it Says Proves that Microsoft Bing Copied Search Results

CBS News
Show threadAdamJun 24, 2025

@DamonWakes @kytta @cptbutton

The African startup Mocality also used a similar trap to prove Google was stealing they're directory results and fraudulently extracting payments from businesses by pretending they were working together with the startup

https://boingboing.net/2012/01/13/google-fraudulently-solicits-f.html

The Google-Kenya ripoff | Boing Boing

Mocality is an African startup that has a Kenya-wide business directory. There is no Kenyan yellow pages, so the directory was crowdsourced, paying thousands of Kenyans to help create and validate …

Boing Boing
Show threadMostlyTatoJun 22, 2025
@kytta
Cheeky thieving bastards. Hey, I might close off our back alley where all the trucks get caught on the corner cuz they ignore the signs.
Show threadHennueJun 22, 2025
@kytta I have a similar experience. Google Maps shows a hiking path in my area that doesn't exist which sends hikers the wrong way. I tried to edit it 3 times showing the exact shape of the actual path which is visible on the satellite image. I never even got a notice on my edit and the shown path is still wrong.
Show threadKrutonium://Jun 22, 2025
@kytta So what you're saying is someone should update OpenStreetMaps when a bridge has been missing for 10 years instead of trying to get Google to realize there is no bridge for 10 years.
Show threadtrainguyromJun 22, 2025
@kytta I did something similar. Some years ago I lived in an apartment building at the end of a cul-de-sac. The mature trees obscured the true length of the road from satellite view so all maps considered the road to end about 40 feet sooner than it actually does (and delivery services would frequently follow GPS and stop at the wrong place then call and say they can't find the building) I extended the road to match reality in OSM and observed Maps quickly updated to include the correct road length too. I never had a delivery driver fail to come to my door after that change
Show threadGrande gnome GertrudeJun 22, 2025
@kytta I had no idea Gmaps stole the data from open street map 💀
Show threadFrosch BJun 22, 2025
@kytta doesn't seem to work here, where google marks (part of a) street falsely as one way, which i tried to correct several times, but OpenStreetMaps doesn't. they have it correct since ever and google never sees a need to steal it :-/
Show threadderptronJun 22, 2025

@kytta LOL!!! Busted!

"We make the world go round" :p