Does Google Contribute to OpenStreetMap?

As of my last update in August 2023, Google's direct contribution to OpenStreetMap (OSM) is limited. OSM is an open-source collaborative effort, primarily funded by voluntary contributions from users, organizations, and geospatial data providers. Google relies on a combination of proprietary data sources, user-generated content, and third-party agreements for its mapping services. Notably, Google does not share its proprietary data with OSM, maintaining its competitive edge.

Google and Open Data Initiatives

While Google is known for its support of open data initiatives, it primarily engages in these efforts in the broader context rather than directly contributing its proprietary data to OSM. For instance, Google has showcased support through sponsorship of conferences and discussions aimed at promoting more open and accessible geographic data. However, any direct data contribution to OSM is not a part of its standard operations.

Historical Contribution and Vandalism

Historically, Google did make contributions to OSM. In the early years, Google's maps and data sharing practices were more collaborative. However, these contributions have not been sustained over time. On the contrary, there have been instances where Google has been accused of vandalizing OSM. One notable case involved an incident where Google's IP address was linked to tampering with OSM data, thus undermining the integrity and quality of the map.

Supporting Open Data

It is true that Google has shown support for open data initiatives. For example, Google was one of the Gold sponsors at a recent conference focused on open mapping and data sharing. This support is evident in its participation and involvement in discussions surrounding open geographic data. However, such support does not translate into direct data contributions.

Map Maker and Data Privacy

It's worth noting that even when users contribute to Google Maps via tools like Map Maker, their data is not recoverable. Users who contribute data through Map Maker do not have the ability to retrieve their own contributions later, which further underscores Google's stance on not sharing or giving back proprietary data.

In conclusion, while Google has played a part in the open-source mapping community in the past, its current operations do not include direct contributions to OSM. The concerns around data sharing and integrity remain a topic of discussion in the geospatial community, with ongoing tension and dialogue between proprietary and open-source data providers.