OpenStreetMap
This seems to be another new set of road network data (just that, not general map data per se) that is user generated by having users running an application on their GPS mobile phone. Purpose for now seems to be to be able to give the entire www.waze.com community a free route planner that takes and current local road situation information (traffic, police, changing roads) into account automatically. Sounds interesting, and if you look at the site right now it looks like they are "paving roads on a blank canvas" right now.
Discussion
Comment from davespod on 12 January 2010 at 15:37
The problem is that it is not as "free" as OSM, and the licence is incompatible. If I understand correctly, the company behind it gains ownership of the user-submitted data.
Comment from davespod on 12 January 2010 at 15:37
See:
http://lists.openstreetmap.org/pipermail/talk-il/2009-April/000108.html
Comment from Komяpa on 12 January 2010 at 15:43
They are as proprietary as Google. And don't have foot routing. :)
Comment from amapanda ᚛ᚐᚋᚐᚅᚇᚐ᚜ 🏳️🌈 on 12 January 2010 at 18:34
Waze is similar to OpenStreetMap, both are creating a map based on what the common man maps. But both are very different when it comes to owning and using the data. In OSM everyone can use the data, in Waze, only they can use the data, you, the person who collected it, can't use it.
Comment from Baloo Uriza on 12 January 2010 at 22:15
Wow, all aboard the failboat... looks like they're trying to reinvent the wheel in a non-open fashion.