OSM.org as map viewer, worksheet 2: Using the OSM.org website in everyday life
OpenSchoolMaps.ch — Free learning materials for free geodata and maps
A worksheet for students
| In this worksheet you will learn how to toggle between the map layers, use the route planning and share the positions found on your map with others. |
Map Layers
Despite what the name suggests, OpenStreetMap is not really only a map. It is a collection of detailed geographical data from which computers can generate a map. And not just one map, but based on the same data different maps for different purposes.
Some of them can be selected from the OSM.org website.
What you have seen so far is the OpenStreetMap default map layer.
If you click on the small stack icon 
above the 
-button on the right side, you can switch between these different map views.
Navigation (route planning)
With the OpenStreetMap geodata collection, computers can do more than just "draw" maps! The search function uses these data and also freely available data from sources such as WikiData (a sister project of Wikipedia).
Finding your route from point A to point B is possible. It can be done by:
Clicking on the 
-button next to the search field.
Now you can either enter text (e.g. address) for start and destination, or drag the red and green pins from the search form
to the desired place on the map.
Next, select your desired means of transport/ type of movement from the drop-down box below the start and destination field.
|
Stopovers
The specification of stopovers or "Via "s is unfortunately not available on openstreetmap.org. However, you can visit http://routing.osm.ch , another OpenStreetMap-based route planning option, where you can specify your stopovers (only available for routes within Switzerland; there are navigation tools available with worldwide coverage). |
Task
Use the navigation function to find your direction to school from home and remember to change to your usual mode of transport.
How long would you normally take to get to the school?
Does the predicted duration match your experience?
Does the proposed route match the one you normally take?
Is the same route proposed for each means of transport?
Why is it possible to propose a different route depending on the mode of transport?
Position sharing
You can get a link to send someone the map section or a marked place on your screen by clicking on the 
-button on the right.
Freely usable under CC0 1.0