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Exploring Data Model Relations in OpenStreetMap

Author

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  • Hippolyte Pruvost

    (Department of Computer Science, École Polytechnique de l’Université de Nantes, Rue Christian Pauc, 44300 Nantes, France
    These authors contributed equally to this work. This work was carried out at Maynooth University where Mr. Pruvost was a Summer Intern in 2017.)

  • Peter Mooney

    (Department of Computer Science, Eolas Building, North Campus, Maynooth University, W23 F2H6 Maynooth, Ireland)

Abstract

The OpenStreetMap (OSM) geographic data model has three principal object types: nodes (points), ways (polygons and polylines), and relations (logical grouping of all three object types to express real-world geographical relationships). While there has been very significant analysis of OSM over the past decade or so, very little research attention has been given to OSM relations. In this paper, we provide an exploratory overview of relations in OSM for four European cities. In this exploration, we undertake analysis of relations to assess their complexity, composition and flexibility within the OSM data model. We show that some of the patterns discovered by researchers related to OSM nodes and ways also exist in relations. We find some other interesting aspects of relations which we believe can act as a catalyst for a more sustained future research effort on relations in OSM. These aspects include: the potential influence of bulk imports of geographical data to OSM, tagging of relations, and contribution patterns of edits to OSM relations.

Suggested Citation

  • Hippolyte Pruvost & Peter Mooney, 2017. "Exploring Data Model Relations in OpenStreetMap," Future Internet, MDPI, vol. 9(4), pages 1-17, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jftint:v:9:y:2017:i:4:p:70-:d:116194
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Peter Mooney & Padraig Corcoran, 2012. "Characteristics of Heavily Edited Objects in OpenStreetMap," Future Internet, MDPI, vol. 4(1), pages 1-21, March.
    2. Pascal Neis & Dennis Zielstra, 2014. "Recent Developments and Future Trends in Volunteered Geographic Information Research: The Case of OpenStreetMap," Future Internet, MDPI, vol. 6(1), pages 1-31, January.
    3. Martin Dodge & Rob Kitchin, 2013. "Crowdsourced Cartography: Mapping Experience and Knowledge," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 45(1), pages 19-36, January.
    4. Stephan Huber & Christoph Rust, 2016. "Calculate travel time and distance with OpenStreetMap data using the Open Source Routing Machine (OSRM)," Stata Journal, StataCorp LLC, vol. 16(2), pages 416-423, June.
    5. Pascal Neis & Dennis Zielstra & Alexander Zipf, 2013. "Comparison of Volunteered Geographic Information Data Contributions and Community Development for Selected World Regions," Future Internet, MDPI, vol. 5(2), pages 1-19, June.
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