Public Domain Map is an OpenStreetMap US-led civic technology initiative that enables the crowdsourcing of authoritative map data in cases where OpenStreetMap isn’t an option. Built to comply with the data license requirements of US government agencies, Public Domain Map provides a workflow where mappers can address public data gaps while producing high-quality data that is format- and license-compatible with OpenStreetMap. This collaborative approach democratizes access to validated geospatial data, exemplifying how volunteer efforts can drive government improvements in public infrastructure and services, emergency response, and more.
Tool Updates
Over the past year, Public Domain Map has been rebuilt from the ground up with the goal of making the tool more user-friendly, robust, and scalable.
On the backend, all mapping previously occurred in a single OpenStreetMap-like database. Now, each project exists in its own database. This means that mappers will no longer need to untangle unrelated data and can focus on one task at a time. Project managers can quickly spin up as many Public Domain Map databases as needed, and can easily seed those databases with data in PBF or OSM XML formats. Data exports are also much simpler.
On the frontend, Public Domain Map has been further integrated into the OSM US Tasking Manager. Project creators can now select which of the active Public Domain Map databases to target when setting up a project. Notably, mappers no longer need to set up a separate account to participate in Public Domain Map tasks. You can simply log in with your existing OpenStreetMap account in Tasking Manager and grant access to the Public Domain Map server.
Thanks to the wide web of collaborations at OpenStreetMap US, these improvements were developed in tandem with the TeachOSM Sandbox, a reusable OSM training environment intended for use in education. Stay tuned for more details about the TeachOSM Sandbox in the new year.
The North Carolina Emergency Management Pilot
OpenStreetMap US is currently piloting the Public Domain Map workflow with North Carolina Emergency Management (NCEM) to map building footprints in Cumberland County. The NCEM team needs building footprint data to assess damage after natural disasters and identify occupied buildings during mass search and rescue efforts, among other uses. In partnership with OpenStreetMap US, NCEM launched Task #495 through the OSM US Tasking Manager to crowdsource these footprints, splitting Cumberland County into manageable grid areas to be tackled by volunteer mappers.
In September, OpenStreetMap US hosted a virtual Mappy Hour with Gary Thompson, Deputy Hazard Mitigation Chief at NCEM. Gary illustrated how his team uses OSM data to develop their regional flood plan map. With building footprint data, Gary described how their map can “visually show which buildings are in or out of the flood hazard area” and “add information about each building… to determine how much impact is going to occur if a 100-year flood event occurs.” Hear more from Gary in the recorded Mappy Hour on the OSM US YouTube.
Thank you to the over 50 volunteer mappers and NCEM staff who have contributed to this pilot project so far! However, there are still a lot of buildings left to be mapped. We invite you to start mapping in Public Domain Map, and don’t forget to square those corners!
What’s Next?
In terms of tooling, the next and final major stage of development is the creation of a conflation workflow to bring Public Domain Map data into OpenStreetMap. This data is a strong candidate for importing into OSM, since it is guaranteed to be recent, reviewed by a government authority, tagged in the OSM schema, compatible with OSM tools, and permissively licensed. Of course, Public Domain Map data will need to be conflated and reviewed against existing data before it can be imported.
OSM US is also looking into the use of Public Domain Map in cases where the type of data being collected is not suitable for OpenStreetMap. This could include temporal, socio-geographic, opinionated, novel, speculative, or purely fictional data. For example, a public works department could spin up a Public Domain Map instance to allow residents to map maintenance issues in their city. A researcher could ask study participants to map every place they saw a beaver in their local park. A tabletop RPG club could collaboratively create a fantasy map for their next game. The possibilities are many.
In 2025, OSM US will be relaunching the Public Domain Map Working Group. The group will be an opportunity for stakeholders to convene and discuss further opportunities for public domain crowdsourcing, and members will be tasked with supporting the development of the initiative.
Get Involved!
Are you looking to use Public Domain Map? Reach out to info@publicdomainmap.org.
Interested volunteers can stay up to date on the current Public Domain Map pilots by joining the #publicdomainosm channel on the OSM US Slack.
As is the nature of all OpenStreetMap US work, this is a collaborative project. If you have ideas on how we can improve communications, instructions, or any aspect of this project, please share it with us either by feedback form or the info email above.
