The OpenStreetMap US team got up to a lot this year! The following superlatives celebrate some notable moments of 2025…
Most Dependable: Layercake
Layercake is one of the most recent tools to come under the OSM US umbrella, thanks to the work of our Software Engineer, Jake Low. Meant to make it easier to interact with the OpenStreetMap data that’s important to you, Layercake provides thematic extracts in cloud-native file formats (currently buildings, highways, boundaries, and settlements). Thanks to chatter and volunteer contributions from community members, we’re working on adding new flavors–er–layers, in 2026! Check out the project’s Github issues to see what’s in the works, and try it out for yourself.
Most Spirited: The OSM US Advisory Council
OSM US formalized a new cohort of cheerleaders over the summer: The OSM US Advisory Council, consisting of Carrie Stokes, Brandon Liu, Bill Dollins, Diane Fritz, Lee Schwartz, and Kevin Pomfret. This group of volunteers is nominated by the Executive Director and approved by the Board of Directors to lend their expertise in areas such as nonprofit fundraising and geospatial technology. Unlike the Board, they have no decision-making power but provide additional insight and knowledge when executing the mission of OSM US. The first AC meeting was just held in October, so look for more from the group in 2026. We’re always excited to welcome new folks onto Team OSM US!
Most Likely to Brighten Your Day: OSM US Members
OSM US hit a major membership milestone in 2025: we hit 300 members for the first time this past June! That number includes both individual members and organizational members. Our individual membership program has been foundational to the success of OSM US literally since the beginning. Individual members shape the strategic direction and focus of the organization by voting for the Board of Directors each year and participating in member town halls where we get to see smiling faces in real life, not just smiley emojis on Slack.
In 2022, OSM US introduced our Organizational Membership program, with the goal of providing private companies, academic or nonprofit institutions, and government agencies a way to support the work of OSM US and the contributions of the US mapping community. This year, we were joined by the Ann Arbor Public Library, the American Geographical Society, BetaNYC, and TomTom as first-time organizational members. Organizational members are critical to the financial sustainability of OSM US and we are always excited to welcome new folks!
Most Widely Traveled: Mapillary x OSM US Camera Grant 2.0
The Mapillary x OSM US Camera Grant 2.0 wins “Most Widely Traveled” in 2025! Between the launch of the camera grant program in April and now, cameras have been sent to…
- 18 states
- 16 individual mappers
- 8 nonprofits, community groups, or academic institutions
- 8 municipalities or local agencies
- Collecting over 10,260 miles of imagery
Better Mapillary imagery means better data sources for OpenStreetMap contributors, especially when it comes to features that are difficult to verify with aerial imagery. It has been fantastic watching camera grantees build community and share their experiences improving street-level imagery in the places that matter to them. Check out the Mapper Highlight feature on a few of the 2025 grantees to learn more.
The application form is still open as we send out the final cameras of version 2.0!
Best Duo: State of the Map US and Mapping USA
In recent years, State of the Map US and Mapping USA have become quite the harmonious duo. Unable to travel in person for SotM US this year? Don’t worry - Mapping USA is right around the corner! Have an idea for a SotM US talk but are nervous about presenting in a more traditional conference environment? Try it out at Mapping USA first! This year, past State of the Map US presenters were even able to share their experiences and brainstorm potential sessions at Mapping USA 2025.
As we continue planning conferences and events into the new year, the OSM US team is proud to offer opportunities for different budgets and accessibility needs to connect with the wider OpenStreetMap community.
Teacher’s Pet: TeachOSM
It makes sense why TeachOSM is the Teacher’s Pet of 2025 – a major priority for the program is to provide support for the common roadblocks educators face when implementing OpenStreetMap into their curricula. On top of regular Education Working Group meetings and workshops, TeachOSM members directed a unique educational focus at State of the Map US this past summer (including an education track, birds of a feather, and inaugural poster session), and provided invaluable feedback and testing of an early stage of the TeachOSM Sandbox.
Notes from the Class of 2010
As we close out the 15th year of OpenStreetMap US, we want to highlight the voices of those who have been integral to the organization since the beginning. Here are some notes from the Class of 2010:
“Over the last 15 years, mapping parties have evolved from GPS/JOSM-based events where we were adding major streets on foot, into parties where we dive into specific issues. We’ve also seen several companies adopt and extend OpenStreetMap in some amazing ways. Technology is a big part of OpenStreetMap, but it’s always been about the community. As the map starts to feel more ‘complete’ there will be even more chances for special projects and groups to organize around new use cases, and the community will be there.”
, who served on an early OSM US Board of Directors
“I was first introduced to OSM back in 2008 at a mapping party! I watched the transition between OSM as a hobby project and the rich, publicly available platform for social good that it has evolved into today. Back then, OSM felt like a blank canvas. People rose to the occasion to fill in the map. It was anarchy in both the best and worst ways early on. Fast forward, and I am impressed by the direction of OSM US today. Trails, sidewalks, and the government working group. People are coming together on issues that fly below the radar, yet are vitally important. The working groups serve a community-building function. That’s something OSM US can really be proud of.”
, who served on the first OSM US Board of Directors
See You Next Year!
Many thanks to those who supported OpenStreetMap US in 2025! Whether you joined a Mappy Hour or working group, donated to the organization, became a member, contributed to a task on the OSM US Tasking Manager, or welcomed new mappers in the OSM US Slack, we’re grateful for your participation in the OSM US community. We’re excited for the year to come!
If you’d like to continue supporting OpenStreetMap US into the new year, now is a great time to donate, become a member, or follow our monthly newsletter to keep up to date with upcoming events, program updates, and tech news.
