Wikipedia Loses Google Maps For Open Street Maps
Wikipedia became the latest high-profile site to drop Google Maps this week, switching to the increasingly popular Open Street Maps for its mobile apps. The move marks a shift for the once-dominant mapping program, which recently started charging its heaviest users.
Open Street Maps is a free, open source map program which is created by volunteer contributors. A Wikipedia spokesperson suggested it was a natural fit to join forces with the site known as “Wikipedia for Maps.” It will function on both iOS and Android phones.
Foursquare and Apple’s iPhoto also recently made the jump to Open Street Maps.
At first glance, Open Street Maps looks like a fine substitute for Google Maps, with all of the features you would expect. But the interface isn’t as clean, creating a cramped display that could be a problem on small smartphone screens.
What do you think? Is global navigation a good thing to crowdsource?
[via CNET]
