I have been adding data to my neighbourhoods in Brussels, Belgium (the one in which I grew up and the one in which I currently live). Mostly, I’ve been getting the information from my local knowledge, observing where osm is either inexact or incomplete and correction / adding it.

I have been careful to follow the notation as detailed in the wiki pages. I have found that it is heavily oriented towards English speakers, a possible barrier to further local participation. The title tool allows for different language inputs which is useful given the bilingual nature of Brussels.

Last week, I tried out the OSMTracker app for Android which I found very useful. The GPS on my phone isn’t very accurate but along with the images and notes, the track proved a good guide. The legibility of the notes wasn’t great and, combined with the inaccuracy of my GPS track, did mean that I relied on memory to complete the editing at home. This was fine for a short spin around the block in an area I knew well but might prove more complicated for longer distances in unfamiliar areas. I will look into more precise GPS options for this purpose.

All my editing has been done with the iD in-browser editor. Plotting the multiple points repeatedly proved quite time consuming (defining the use of a “bench” every time) but otherwise I found it a good and intuitive tool.