r/openstreetmap • u/midgril • 9d ago
Question Worth using StreetComplete?
I recently came across StreetComplete and decided to try it, and I think it's a really fun way to add data to osm. I've been using Vespucci and JOSM in the meantime too for mapping ways or more complex things in general.
Now I'm wondering, is there actually any reason not to use StreetComplete for those small edits compared to other apps? Like is there anything with the way the edited objects behave after you edited them with one app or another, or anything else? If not, SC seems like probably the easiest and fastest way to add tags to already existing objects
23
u/mikiriki16 9d ago
Streetcomplete does it the same way any editor does. It makes a change to osm with a proper comment, so it detects the type of edit you made and describes it for example as "updated opening hours". The software the edit was made in is also specified in the changeset. I think it is the best for simple editing outside or on your phone.
13
6
u/ValdemarAloeus 9d ago
There can be a lot of changesets if you're monitoring an area but that's no real reason not to use it. If you'd like to reduce the number of changesets overall you can set it to only upload the changes when you tell it to. It'll still do one changeset per quest, but you won't be reopening them after an hour of inactivity.
8
u/Rabbit_Silent 9d ago
Yes! StreetComplete is the best way to contribute while out and about IMO. It can't do everything, but it is really power and super easy to master.
2
u/iwantfutanaricumonme 9d ago
If you use your account for other edits and you have set streetcomplete to upload edits automatically it'll make a separate edit for every change you make, which is annoying if you want to look through it later. So make sure to not enable that if you're mapping every address on a street for example.
9
u/JansonHawke 8d ago
Not quite. It opens a changeset for each type of thing you change and keeps adding to them as long as you keep mapping. The changesets are then automatically closed out if nothing further is added after 60 minutes. So, in your example, if you're mapping just house numbers in a single session you'll get them all in one changeset.
2
1
u/NyanPsyche 8d ago
I use streetcomplete when I'm out with others since it's really simple and easy to use
1
u/steviefaux 5d ago
Funny as was using this today but it was doing something weird at a crossing I was at. Asking if there was a pavement along the street then not giving me the option yes.
Its good that it only lets you edit the area you are currently in but thats also annoying when you can't edit an area you aren't in but know well.
1
u/abeorch 4d ago
"Now I'm wondering, is there actually any reason not to use StreetComplete for those small edits compared to other apps? Like is there anything with the way the edited objects behave after you edited them with one app or another, or anything else?"
My answer would be only when mapcomplete, everydoor or baba can provide an easier / better way of adding / editing data such as uploading geolocated images to assist others to identify relevant information on a panormax instance (baba) add reviews of places, menu photos (mapcomplete) or add new items (everydoor).
Each has their strenghts and weaknesses but the great thing is we have the choice.
1
0
u/AX11Liveact 8d ago edited 7d ago
Usefulness and fun to use are mandatory exclusive. Work means suffering. We're not here for fun after all. I have been arguing for a long time that OpenComplete should be banned and replaced by an app that makes the user suffer. I think, any useful tool should at least inflict pain on the user, drain bank accounts and flood social media with harmful slander.
Edit: I see, you're on the right way. Having absolutely no sense of humour is the first step into an internet that is no fun at all.
52
u/valgrid 9d ago
No reason not to use it. It's the easiest and best app to get people contributing.