Google maps are great, they quickly let you find on a map what you’re searching for – the street level views are pretty cool, and the hi-res satellite imagery is top notch. Yahoo’s offering is similar but not quite as cool.

What don’t you get?

• You don’t get to re-use the big search engine maps without restrictions.
• You don’t get to participate in the map making process.
• You don’t get to edit the geographical data that underpins the map.
• You don’t get freedom from ads and clutter.

What’s the solution?

Well, let me tell you about Open Street Map http://www.openstreetmap.org

OpenStreetMap is a free editable map of the whole world. The map data comes from individual contibutors to the site, and any one can participate. Frequently OpenStreetMap users organize mapping parties to get together and collect data for the betterment of the map, and to socialize with fellow map makers and geo-nuts.

OpenStreetMap allows you to view, edit and use geographical data in a collaborative way using your own survey data and GPS tracks. The map offers a clean, uncluttered look.

Publishing the Map

A flexible export feature lets you save map images in various free formats without branding or watermarks. Another handy export option is to generate HTML code for an iframe. The ever-present ‘permalink’ link give you easy access to the URL that will take to the exact view you’re looking at, which makes linking to the map on the web a snap.

OpenStreetMap isn’t the ultimate web map, it doesn’t offer turn-by-turn directions or pinpoint the nearest Starbucks – but if you’re a map maker (digital or otherwise), or if you simply want to explore a region without sponsored links and clutter then you should give OpenStreetMap a try.

OpenStreetMap is an excellent alternative to the web maps offered by the big search engines.