These images are part of an animation showing edits to the OpenStreetMap.orgproject during 2008. OpenStreetMap is a wiki-style map of the world and this animation displays a white flash each time a way is entered or updated. Some edits are a result of a physical local survey by a contributor with a GPS unit and taking notes, other edits are done remotely using aerial photography or out-of-copyright maps, and some are bulk imports of official data.OpenStreetMap started in 2004 and the rate of contributions is accelerating with four times as many people contributing to the project in 2008 compared to 2007. During the year, edits were made by some 20,000 individuals and there were bulk imports of data for many places, including the USA, India, Italy and Belarus which are clearly visible in the animation.The first image shows the recent bulk import of data from Belarus and plenty of work going on in Spain, Finland and England in July 2008. Notice also the burst of activity Ireland during the State of the Map conference which took place in Limerick in July. Germany is, as always, glowing brightly. The second image shows major contributors (represented by different colors) to OpenStreetMap in the bay area of California.This animation was produced by ITO. Various still images are available on flickr.
