OpenStreetMap

OpenStreetMap is a global, collaborative open source initiative that provides free and open geospatial data. As vital infrastructure for digital mapping, OpenStreetMap supports a wide range of applications, from navigation apps like OsmAnd and OrganicMaps to large-scale corporate services used by Deutsche Bahn, DHL, Meta, and Microsoft. Additionally, its data play a critical role in humanitarian efforts, such as those led by Doctors Without Borders, and supports academic research and public-sector projects worldwide.

With this investment, the Sovereign Tech Agency is supporting essential updates to OpenStreetMap’s core technology. The work will modernize OpenStreetMap’s codebase, bringing it in line with current software standards, and enhancing the contribution process through improved documentation and testing. Furthermore, the project will explore advancements to OpenStreetMap’s core infrastructure, including research on tackling map vandalism and developing new ways to interact with geospatial data.

OpenStreetMap is at the core of the global open mapping ecosystem. Its freely available geospatial data power countless applications across industries, making it an essential piece of digital infrastructure. From navigation and logistics to urban planning, disaster response, and research, many sectors depend on OpenStreetMap’s data to carry out their work. There is no other open alternative.

Public institutions, in particular, rely on OpenStreetMap as a cross-border, interoperable dataset that complements official geographical records. Its open nature ensures that geographic information remains accessible and adaptable for various uses, from local government planning to humanitarian aid coordination.

Despite its critical role, OpenStreetMap’s core software is maintained by just a handful of dedicated developers. Around them, a global community of contributors and data users actively shape the project’s future. Strengthening OpenStreetMap’s technical foundation ensures that this ecosystem remains sustainable, innovative, and resilient.

The OpenStreetMap project depends on a reliable and well-maintained core software infrastructure. To ensure its long-term sustainability and prepare for future growth, the Sovereign Tech Fund is investing in essential improvements to OpenStreetMap’s underlying framework. This investment focuses on the core systems that keep OpenStreetMap running: the database that stores and manages geospatial data, the API that allows map editors to access and update OpenStreetMap’s data, and the platform, which serves as both an interface for user accounts and a hub for contributor collaboration.

A key objective of this initiative is to expand OpenStreetMap’s community of developers. With only a handful of developers responsible for keeping critical infrastructure running, the long-term stability of the project could be at risk. Bringing in new developers and helping them grow into experienced maintainers ensures the long-term health and resilience of the OpenStreetMap ecosystem.

To support this effort, the Sovereign Tech Fund is funding improvements to OpenStreetMap’s contributor ecosystem and development processes. This includes documenting the project’s roadmap to make key challenges and future directions more accessible, as well as establishing clearer pathways for onboarding and retaining new contributors.

Targeted efforts will streamline issue management, reduce technical debt, and optimize the maintenance of core systems. By refining workflows and enabling contributors to engage more efficiently, these improvements will strengthen OpenStreetMap’s infrastructure and enhance its ability to grow sustainably.