Jungle Bus/OSM GTFS Infographic

From OpenStreetMap Wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
Jungle Bus/OSM GTFS Infographic - Other languages

This Infographics was created by Jungle Bus in close collaboration with WaysWeMove for AFD (Agence Française de Développement) in 2019. It's been published here: https://digitaltransport4africa.org/mapping-a-transport-network-with-openstreetmap-and-gtfs/

The objective is to describe the advantages and disadvantages of the two approaches observed in transport network mapping (informal or not), particularly in Africa:

  • make a GTFS and then copy the information into OSM
  • map everything in OSM, then make a GTFS from OSM

Infographics

OpenStreetMap then GTFS or GTFS then OpenStreetMap.jpg


Content

Introduction

Mapping a transport network with OpenStreetMap (OSM) and GTFS

Comparison of 2 possible ways: "OSM then GTFS" or "GTFS then OSM"

Map a large city's transportation network in GTFS or map it in OpenStreetMap? Why wouldn't you blend the best of both worlds? Let's summarize the advantages of each one to help you choose the best methodology for your project.

What tools to use?

OSM: The "Wikipedia of Cartography" is a fast-growing, coordinated global community that creates freely available data.

OpenStreetMap is now considered to be the most exhaustive open geographic database in the world. It allows detailed descriptions of transport networks.

GTFS: A file format for public transit schedules and related geographic information.

This standard is widely used by mobility stakeholders for route planning and to study the structure of the transport network.

Features

OSM contains additional contextual data (streets, points of interest, etc.)

OSM facilitates collaboration and data exchange (Open Data) by default

The GTFS is a technical basis for public transport route planning

The GTFS is a de facto standard for transport data

OSM an advantage

GTFS a necessity

Two ways to combine the two tools

OSM then GTFS

First map the network in OSM, then extract a GTFS file from it

Innovative approach for co-construction and co-maintenance of a database with a community. Good choice to stimulate collaboration and maintenance over time

GTFS then OSM

Create a GTFS file and then reintegrate the stop and route details into OSM

Good choice in order to move quickly with a small group of people

Characteristics of the two ways

Data collection
  • GTFS then OSM: Production controlled by a small group.
  • OSM then GTFS: Produced by an open group and enhanced by external contributions from the community.
Data infrastructure
  • GTFS then OSM: The GTFS is a data format for public transport. Where to store, how to share the data and how to allow collaboration to produce the data must be individually planned and tackled for each project.
  • OSM then GTFS: Provides a complete infrastructure that can be used immediately for all geographic data. However the schedules and other temporal data are more complex to manage.
Data update
  • GTFS then OSM: Updates of the data must be planned in advance and conducted actively. This generally relies on a small group of people.
  • OSM then GTFS: The data can be continuously updated by a core group together with the wider community.
Data opening and reuses
  • GTFS then OSM: It depends on the policy of each project. Most of the time, the usage of data is then limited to project partners.
  • OSM then GTFS: Open by default. Freely accessible platform and open data license for all produced data.
Ecosystem
  • GTFS then OSM: Very active industrial ecosystem but few tools freely usable in open source.
  • OSM then GTFS: A large number of applications, APIs, thousands of contributors and companies support the ecosystem. Not transport oriented by default, it can take time to dive into it for beginners.

Conclusion & credits

Open collaboration leads to more sustainable cities and fair development. Open Data and the OpenStreetMap ecosystem are essential components to achieve long lasting digital public transport solutions.

Need help to choose and implement an appropriate strategy for your project ? www.wayswemove.net

Already convinced? Discover how Jungle Bus uses the "OSM then GTFS" approach for more resilience and opportunities of collaboration with the OSM community. www.junglebus.io/osm-then-gtfs


You are free to share this document under the terms of the Creative Commons CC-BY-SA license

Retrieved from "https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/w/index.php?title=Jungle_Bus/OSM_GTFS_Infographic&oldid=1919921"