The Overture Maps project, developed with the support of the Linux Foundation, has unveiled the first stable version of its cartographic database named Transportation. This database covers 86 million kilometers of roads worldwide and is open for use by geoservice developers, including big names like Microsoft and Tomtom.
The data is available in the GEOPARQUET format, with the complete archive taking up approximately 500 GB of space. For working with individual segments, a web-interface with an interactive map is provided, enabling users to access information for specific regions.
The founding companies behind the Overture Maps project include Amazon, Meta*, Microsoft, and Tomtom. These companies have joined forces on the Linux Foundation platform to develop open maps, tools for processing them, and a standardized data storage format.
Overture Maps is built upon OpenStreetMap cards, with additional information sourced from project collaborators and open databases. In contrast to the community-driven model of OpenStreetMap, Overture Maps focuses on integrating existing data into a unified system.
Prior to publication, the data undergoes thorough validation, including referencing aerial images and incorporating details on road signs, traffic regulations, ferry routes, and railway tracks.
The database uses the GERS (Global Entity Reference System) to link data, enabling the addition of information like road repairs, accidents, or vehicle movements with unique identifiers. This ensures compatibility with various mapping applications.
Under the CDLA and ODBL licenses, the database is freely distributed considering legal aspects related to combining data from multiple sources. The source code for Overture Maps’ tools can be found on GitHub under the MIT license.
Developers are actively expanding the database, incorporating data beyond the transportation network. This includes details on addresses, infrastructure, vegetation, buildings (comprising over 2 billion outlines), administrative boundaries, and points of interest.
*META and its products are deemed extremist, leading to their prohibition within the Russian Federation.