OpenSeaMap Building Up

OpenStreetMap is well-known as a crowd-sourced mapping project. The maps now also are integrated in Bing Maps and other application. As a derivation, since 2009 OpenSeaMap has been started and the aim is to create crowd-sourced nautical charts.

The goal of OpenSeaMap is to record interesting and useful nautical information for the sailor which is then incorporated into a free map of the world. This includes beacons, buoys and other navigation aids as well as port information, repair shops and chandlerys. OpenSeaMap is a subproject of OpenStreetMap and uses its database.

To add to the map, contributions are sought from averybody who may be able to contribute, from kayakkers plotting a port to ship owners who have access to data aerial photographs or charts to hydrographic surveyors, oceanographers and other professionals and volunteers who can add to the map. An overview and contacts are displayed in the FAQ of OpenSeaMap.

At this moment of development, features for nautical charts are: fullscreen chart, editing feature for the chart using JOSM technology (in alpha), chart download (they can be used in PCs and Garmin devices). The carts can be integrated in websites as well.

The OpenSeaMap now contains 600 marinas and 4,000 harbours which can be described and illustrated in the port pilot book.

For more information, videos, tutorials and Wiki-help are available.