[Xastir] OSM Example DBFAWK File

[Andrew Errington]

On Fri, 09 Jul 2010 21:59:11 Curt, WE7U wrote:
> Here I saw problems with the Canadian border -and- the west border
> of Whatcom county, plus a typo:  "Insterstate 90" at Snoqualmie
> Pass.  I'm sure I'll find more as I play.  If someone who's familiar
> with OSM knows the easiest method for updating the database, please
> let all of us know.

Well, you don't update the database per se.  You edit the map and submit your 
changes.

The first thing you need to do is create an OSM editor account.  This 
identifies you as a person who wishes/chooses to edit the maps.

Go here, and click "sign up" in the top right corner.
http://www.openstreetmap.org/

The easiest way to edit the data is probably the Flash-based browser editor 
called Potlatch.  Log in to OSM using the account you just created...

(Go here, and click on "log in" in the top right corner.
http://www.openstreetmap.org/)

...then move the map to the area you are interested in.  At the top of the map 
is a tab marked "Edit".  Click on it, then select "Edit with save".

Now you can see the lines and points of the vector data in your browser.  They 
are live and editable.  Find the object you wish to change and click on it.  
Its properties will appear in the lower half of the window and are simple 
tag/value pairs.  For the case of a typo, find the tag/value with the typo, 
click on it, fix it and hit enter.  Now hit 'Save' at the bottom right.  
Done!

You might need to wait for a short time for your changes to be propagated 
through the database and various mirrors, but you knew that.

That was a whirlwind guide to editing the data.  I strongly suggest you take 
some time and read the Beginners' Guide in its entirety here:

http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Beginners%27_Guide

Also, if you don't like Flash (and/or don't like Potlatch) then try any of the 
other editors such as JOSM or Merkaartor.

There are two important rules when dabbling with OSM data.

1) Don't copy other maps or data sources.
2) Have fun!

73,

Andrew