OpenStreetMap for Architects: The Ultimate Free Data Source

What is OpenStreetMap?

OpenStreetMap (OSM) is a collaborative project to create a free, editable map of the world. Think of it as Wikipedia for maps—anyone can contribute, and the data is free to use.

Why Architects Should Care

Free and Open

No licensing fees, no usage limits. Use OSM data in your projects, publications, and commercial work (with attribution).

Global Coverage

From New York to rural villages, OSM has data worldwide. Perfect for international projects.

Detailed Building Data

Many cities have complete building footprints with:

• Accurate geometries
• Height information (where available)
• Building types and uses

Constantly Updated

Volunteer mappers keep data current. Major cities update frequently.

OSM Data Layers Useful for Architecture

Buildings

• Footprint geometry
• Building height
• Number of levels
• Building type (residential, commercial, etc.)
• Roof shape (in detailed areas)

Roads

• Hierarchy (motorway → residential)
• Width information
• Surface type
• Speed limits

Land Use

• Residential areas
• Commercial zones
• Industrial areas
• Green spaces

Natural Features

• Water bodies
• Parks and forests
• Elevation contours
• Trees (in detailed areas)

Points of Interest

• Transit stops
• Schools, hospitals
• Shops and restaurants
• Historical markers

OSM Data Quality

Where It's Great

• Major cities worldwide
• Europe (especially Germany, France, UK)
• USA urban areas
• Japan
• Areas with active mapping communities

Where It's Limited

• Rural areas in developing countries
• Private developments
• Very recent construction
• Building heights (inconsistent coverage)

How to Check Quality

Before relying on OSM data:

• View the area on openstreetmap.org
• Compare with satellite imagery
• Check when data was last updated
• Generate a test map

How ArchiKEK Uses OSM

ArchiKEK queries OSM through the Overpass API to:

• Fetch building footprints for your selected area
• Get road networks with proper hierarchy
• Include water and green spaces for context
• Organize into layers for easy editing

The raw data is processed into clean, architect-friendly exports.

Contributing Back

If you find missing or incorrect data:

• Create an account at openstreetmap.org
• Use the iD editor (browser-based)
• Add missing buildings or correct errors
• Your changes help everyone

Even tracing a few buildings helps improve the resource for all architects.

OSM vs Paid Alternatives

Legal Considerations

OSM uses the Open Database License (ODbL):

• You can: Use, share, modify, use commercially
• You must: Attribute OSM, share modifications under same license
• You cannot: Claim exclusive rights to the data

For architectural projects:

• Include "© OpenStreetMap contributors" in your credits
• This applies to ArchiKEK exports too

Get Started

See OSM data quality for your project site:

Generate Map →