StreetComplete is an easy to use OpenStreetMap editor that can be used without prior knowledge about

OpenStreetMap OpenStreetMap (abbreviated OSM) is a free, Open Database License, open geographic database, map database updated and maintained by a community of volunteers via open collaboration. Contributors collect data from surveying, surveys, trace from Ae ...

. The app prompts users to answer questions like ''"What are the opening hours here?"'' or ''"Is this still here?"'' about places and objects in their surrounding. Answering these questions helps to keep the OpenStreetMap database complete and up to date.

Functionality

The app is based on a map view in which places and things with missing or dated OpenStreetMap data are marked. Users can complete this data by answering simple questions (called quests). These quests are designed in such a way that answering them on site is quick and easy and no special expertise or prior knowledge is needed. In case the answer to a quest does not match one of the selection options, other OpenStreetMap contributors can be asked for help by submitting a note. StreetComplete focuses on adding further details to already existing objects. As a result of this, users can only modify a subset of the data stored in the OpenStreetMap database. It is, e.g., not possible to change the geometry of buildings or roads. For such changes, users must switch to other editors, such as the iD editor.

Gamification

A unique feature of the app compared to other OpenStreetMap editors is the use of

gamification Gamification is the process of enhancing systems, services, organisations and activities through the integration of game design elements and principles in non-game contexts. The goal is to increase user engagement, motivation, competition and ...

. Users are rewarded points for solved quests and can see their national and global rank.

Usage

In the ranking of OpenStreetMap editors, StreetComplete takes second place according to ''number of users'' and fourth place according to ''number of edits''. This makes the app the highest-placed smartphone app in both categories.

Development

StreetComplete is an

Open Source Open source is source code that is made freely available for possible modification and redistribution. Products include permission to use and view the source code, design documents, or content of the product. The open source model is a decentrali ...

project licensed under the

GNU General Public License The GNU General Public Licenses (GNU GPL or simply GPL) are a series of widely used free software licenses, or ''copyleft'' licenses, that guarantee end users the freedom to run, study, share, or modify the software. The GPL was the first ...

3.0. The source code is published on th
project website
An Android app was released in 2017, an

iOS Ios, Io or Nio (, ; ; locally Nios, Νιός) is a Greek island in the Cyclades group in the Aegean Sea. Ios is a hilly island with cliffs down to the sea on most sides. It is situated halfway between Naxos and Santorini. It is about long an ...

version is planned.

References

External links

* * Openstreetmap:StreetComplete {{OpenStreetMap Free GIS software OpenStreetMap