The Best Merkaartor Alternatives for OpenStreetMap Editing
Merkaartor, an OpenStreetMap editor for Unix, Windows, and Mac OSX, has served its purpose for many mapping enthusiasts. However, with evolving technology and diverse user needs, you might be looking for a Merkaartor alternative that offers different features, platforms, or user experiences. This article explores some of the top contenders that can fill the gap left by Merkaartor or simply provide a fresh perspective on OpenStreetMap editing.
Top Merkaartor Alternatives
Whether you're a casual contributor or a seasoned mapping professional, there's an OpenStreetMap editor out there for you. Here are some excellent alternatives to Merkaartor, each bringing its own strengths to the table.
StreetComplete
StreetComplete is a fantastic Open Source and Free Android app that allows users to easily complete missing or incorrect OpenStreetMap data directly on site. It's a great Merkaartor alternative for those who prefer mobile editing and want to contribute to OSM on the go. Its focus on simple, on-site data collection makes it incredibly user-friendly for everyday mapping contributions.
JOSM
JOSM (Java OpenStreetMap Editor) is a powerful, extensible, and Open Source desktop editor for OpenStreetMap. Available on Mac, Windows, Linux, and BSD, JOSM is an excellent Merkaartor alternative for experienced mappers who need advanced features like loading GPX tracks, background imagery, and a wide array of plugins. Its robust feature set makes it a go-to choice for detailed and complex mapping tasks.
iD
iD is a popular web-based OpenStreetMap editor, programmed in JavaScript, known for its simplicity and user-friendliness. As a Free and Open Source web application, iD is a superb Merkaartor alternative for beginners or anyone who prefers to edit directly in their browser without installing software. It focuses on intuitive mapping, making it easy to get started with OpenStreetMap contributions.
Vespucci
Vespucci is recognized as the first OpenStreetMap editor for Android devices. This Free and Open Source application offers a light-weight and easy-to-use mapping tool specifically designed for mobile Android tablets and phones. For users seeking a Merkaartor alternative that provides comprehensive mapping capabilities on a portable device, Vespucci is an excellent choice.
Osmosis
Osmosis is a command-line Java application for processing OpenStreetMap data, available for Free on Windows and Linux. While not a graphical editor like Merkaartor, Osmosis is a powerful Merkaartor alternative for developers and advanced users who need to manipulate and process large amounts of OpenStreetMap data programmatically. Its focus is on data management rather than interactive mapping.
Potlatch
Potlatch 2 is another web-based OpenStreetMap editor, often found by clicking the 'Edit' tab directly on the OpenStreetMap website. This Free and Open Source web application serves as a simple yet effective Merkaartor alternative, providing basic mapping features within your web browser. It's ideal for quick edits and contributions without the need for dedicated software installation.
The world of OpenStreetMap editing is rich with diverse tools. Each Merkaartor alternative listed above offers unique advantages, catering to different operating systems, skill levels, and specific mapping needs. We encourage you to explore these options and find the best fit for your next OpenStreetMap project.