How to add/update an address on OpenStreetMap

At FranConnect, we use the Location IQ API to show addresses on maps throughout our platform. Location IQ is powered by OpenStreetMap (OSM), which serves as its underlying database. If a location appears inaccurate on our platform, the issue may come from outdated or missing data in OpenStreetMap.

What is OpenStreetMap?

OpenStreetMap (OSM) is a free, community-driven world map that anyone can edit. Users contribute by adding and updating map details, helping to keep the data accurate and comprehensive. Contributions are reviewed by the OSM community, and once approved, the updates become part of the live map.

How do I add my Store’s location?

Step 1: Signup for an account

• Navigate to openstreetmap.org and select the Sign Up button in the top-right corner.

• Enter your email address, choose a display name, and set a secure password. You can also sign in using one of the available third-party authentication options.

• If you already have an OpenStreetMap account, simply use the Log In button located next to Sign Up in the top-right corner.
• A step-by-step guide will then walk you through the available options and direct you to additional helpful resources.

Step 2: Enter Edit Mode

• Click the Edit button in the top-left corner.

• You’ll be taken to the iD Editor.
• To move around the map:
• Use the + and – icons on the right to zoom in or out.
• Hold the spacebar while dragging to pan across the map.

• To adjust the background, click the Layers icon on the right side of the editor. From there, you can switch overlays and customize how the map is displayed. Choose the view that works best for you.

Step 3: Add your edits

At the top, you’ll see an Add Feature toolbar with options to create a Point, Line, or Area. You can edit or remove any of these features as needed to update the map:

• Point: Mark the location of a single building or point of interest.
• Line: Represent continuous features such as roads or rivers.
• Area: Outline larger spaces like parks or city districts.

Let’s say you want to add a Starbucks location.

• First, navigate to the correct area on the map and zoom in until you have a clear view.
• Then, select Point from the toolbar and click on the exact spot where the Starbucks marker should be placed.

• A blank pin will appear on the selected spot.
• On the left side, a panel will open where you can add details, beginning with the Type of place.

• In this example, you would normally choose the Restaurant feature and fill in the details. However, since Starbucks is a well-known chain, it already has a predefined label. Simply select Starbucks.
• From there, you can add additional information such as cuisine type, opening hours, exact address, website, and more.

• After entering the details, review your changes carefully, then click the Save icon in the top-right corner.

• In the panel on the left, add comments describing your edits and cite your sources.
• When ready, click Upload to submit your contribution to OpenStreetMap. After review and approval, your changes will be added to the OSM database.
• If you’re not fully confident in your edits, check the box labeled I would like someone to review my edits. This will prompt an experienced community member to verify your updates before they are published.

• A confirmation screen will appear, showing the details of your recent contribution to the map.

How do I edit the store’s location?

If your store’s location isn’t accurately shown in OpenStreetMap, you can update it yourself. To do so, visit the OpenStreetMap website and follow these steps:

Step 1: Sign up for an account
Step 2: Switch to Edit Mode
(For Steps 1 and 2, refer to the section above: How do I add my store’s location?)

Step 3: Edit the existing information

• Find your store’s area on the map:
  • Use the + and – icons on the right to zoom in or out.
  • Hold the spacebar to pan across the map until you reach your location.
• Once you’ve located your store, click Edit in the top-left corner to begin making changes.

• In this example, we’ll edit the Starbucks location that was added in the previous case.
• To move an existing location, right-click on the Starbucks point, choose Move from the toolbar, and drag it to the new spot.

• Once you choose a location to move, it will stay attached to your cursor.
• Drag across the map to the correct spot where the location should be placed. When you reach the desired position, click on the map to drop it.
• The store’s location will then be updated on the map.

• The location has now been moved to the correct point.
• To update the address, click the location pointer and open the Address section in the left panel. From there, make any necessary changes.

• After entering all the store details, click Save in the top-right corner of the screen.

• Add comments describing your edits and include your sources in the panel on the left.
• Click Upload to submit your contribution to OpenStreetMap.
• After your changes are reviewed and approved, they’ll be published to the OpenStreetMap database.
• If you’re uncertain about your edits, select the I would like someone to review my edits option.
• This way, an experienced community member will review your changes before they go live.

• A confirmation screen will appear, showing details of the contribution you just made to the map.

Things to keep in mind:

1. Always cross-check your edits with existing OpenStreetMap data to ensure accuracy and reliability.
2. Do not copy or depend on Google Maps or any other proprietary or copyright-protected sources.
3. OpenStreetMap data is published under the Open Database License, which requires contributors to disclose and share any data they add or create.
4. When adding or updating map features, include as much detail as possible to provide clear context for others.
5. Follow local mapping conventions in your area, such as correct street labeling.
6. Be courteous and respectful toward other contributors and stay open to constructive feedback.
7. If you’re unsure about any part of the editing process, don’t hesitate to ask for help.

When will I see the changes?

Once you add or edit a location in OpenStreetMap, Location IQ updates its database through the API to reflect the changes. This ensures that the correct location appears in the FranConnect system.

Help

If the issue continues, you can reach out to the Location IQ team at hello@locationiq.com for assistance or visit the OpenStreetMap help site for more guidance.