Art
Maps themselves are pieces of art, and OpenStreetMap data (or produced work) can be used to also create creative works that are less functional in their intention. This is especially helpful, as knowing the exact layout of geographic features is difficult if you are not flying over the land.
All maps are subject to copyright protection and if you use them to create a work you must seek permission. In the case of OpenStreetMap permission has already been given through the Copyright Licence. People must be able to derive data from your produced work under the same terms, this means they can copy the information for their own creative means but they can not create exact copies. You must also give credit to your source, The OSM Foundation provides detailed Attribution Guidelines, specifically point 1.5.8.
Discussions
- "The Art of OpenStreetMap" talk at State of the Map Europe 2023 [page][slides][video]
- "Bringing Maps to Life" talk at State of the Map 2007
Art that uses OSM data
- See Using OpenStreetMap/Map examples for use of OSM on physical mediums
- OSM on Paper has lists of tools to print OSM
- Coasters with a laser cutter by Mateusz
- Many artistic styles of generated maps can be found at List of OSM-based services#Art
- 2006-2020: Featured Images potentially contains interesting creations.
- 2009-2013: Maps printed on blankets, napkins, and leggings were produced by Soft Cities 2009-2013
- 2007: Barry created videos Squirming roads, Breathing Map, Animated Route, Sun.
In Publications
- The Quarantine Atlas contains some green space maps created from OSM data.