WikiQueer:OpenStreetMap

OpenStreetMap is a wiki-style map anybody can edit. It contains data needed to draw maps. Like Wikipedia, WikiQueer and other resources, it is freely licensed (under the Open Database License, which is functionally equivalent to the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike license used on Wikipedia and WikiQueer). This page is a guide on the benefits and possibilities of OpenStreetMap for LGBT community groups, businesses and organisations.

Why OpenStreetMap?
OpenStreetMap is more than just a map, it's also an editable collection of geographical data. Unlike commercial maps like Google, OpenStreetMap is flexible and can be used by a wide variety of people who aren't best served by the commercial map providers. OpenStreetMap has become extremely useful for cyclists (OpenCycleMap), seafarers (OpenSeaMap), skiiers (OpenStreetMap's Piste Maps), public transport users and disaster relief agencies (Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team). Anyone can build OpenStreetMap, and all sorts of people can use it.

Why might LGBT community groups want to use OpenStreetMap?


 * If it's wrong, you can fix it. Commercial map providers often list places long after they've closed, has incorrect street names and so on.
 * It can be used in print publications for no cost.
 * The map data can be redrawn and reused in any way you like. Change the colour scheme, change what gets displayed.

Contributing to OpenStreetMap
Those who are interested in building OpenStreetMap are encouraged to edit the map. Details on how to do this can be found on the OpenStreetMap wiki.

To add LGBT/queer specific venues, please follow the instructions listed below.


 * To add gay bars and pubs, use amenity=bar or amenity=pub as appropriate, and also add gay=yes as a tag.
 * To add nightclubs/discos, use amenity=nightclub. If they are gay-only, use gay=yes as a tag.
 * To add strip clubs and brothels, use amenity=stripclub and amenity=brothel. If they are aimed at gay consumers, use gay=yes as a tag.
 * Sexual health clinics should be tagged amenity=clinic</tt>.
 * Shops selling sex toys and fetish equipment should be tagged with shop=erotic</tt>.

Many gay bars are already on OpenStreetMap but are not tagged as gay=yes</tt>.

Problems with gay=yes</tt>
The gay</tt> tag key is widely used (see Taginfo), but there are some problems with it.


 * There are some venues which contain both gay and non-gay elements (as in, large nightclubs which have a specific floor that is primarily for gay patrons).
 * It does not make the distinction between gay-only, gay-majority and gay-friendly venues.
 * It does not make any distinction between gay and lesbian venues: there are a number of female-only lesbian venues. For the purpose of allowing users to find their nearest gay bar, not making such distinctions is unhelpful.

There have been efforts to provide further metadata about LGBT/queer-related venues. This may be a useful thing to do in the future, but in the meantime, tag LGBT-related venues simply with gay=yes</tt> until there is consensus to switch.

WikiQueer Maps
A while back User:Tom and User:WikiGregory discussed creating a WikiQueer OSM hosting instance and community data layer.

The idea is to provide a space for map content that is of specific interest to LGBT communities that falls outside that which would be usable on OpenStreetMap.


 * Flagging venues that are welcoming or specifically unwelcoming to LGBT people. (For example: cases like this, and this)
 * Noting venues which have gender-neutral and/or trans-accessible toilets and bathrooms - see Gender-neutral toilet, and Safe2Pee.
 * Flagging venues that have hosted homophobic events so that visitors can choose whether to support them. (e.g. this)