In case you missed this prior to all the pre-Christmas hype and hooplah, Mapquest quietly rolled out their US version of the OSM driven map service via Open.MapQuest.com. Built on the OpenStreetMap (OSM) base, the site enables all MapQuest users to play an active role in the development and growth of the mapping service. This via the press announcement… “the open site employs a ‘neighborhood watch’ idea, encouraging individuals to take ownership of their localities and make the map reflective of the world around them”.
About Open.Mapquest – Open.MapQuest.com is a “living map,” improved by consumers who can easily add content and details that make the map more specific and useful. Contributors become owners of their communities on the map with easy-to-use tools that are seamlessly integrated: the soccer mom can add a parking lot that was missing or hard to find; the businessperson can add his new office or even a new development; and an avid hiker can incorporate her favorite trails. Map updates sync every 15 minutes and can be routed to within 24 hours. See Open.MapQuest.com
Users of the service can save and create maps to their “my maps”, demonstration seen below. Additionally, once you save a map you can “like” it and share via facebook, grab the embed code, or send the map details to a Garmin GPS
