StreetComplete explained

StreetComplete
Author:Tobias Zwick (westnordost)
Released:2017
Programming Language:Kotlin
Platform:Android, an iOS Version is planned
Genre:GIS software
License:GNU General Public License 3.0

StreetComplete is an easy to use OpenStreetMap editor that can be used without prior knowledge about OpenStreetMap.[1] The App prompts users to answer easy questions like "What are the opening hours here?" or "Is this still here?" about places and objects in their surrounding.[2] Answering these questions helps keeping the OpenStreetMap database complete and up to date.[3] [4]

Functionality

StreetComplete marks places and things in a map overview for which data in OpenStreetMap is missing or possibly no longer up to date. Users can complete this missing data by answering simple questions (called quests). The quests are designed in such a way that answering them on site is quick and easy and no special expertise or prior knowledge is needed.[3] [4] The questions cover a wide range of topics:[2]

The app offers the option to ask other OpenStreetMap contributors for help in case a question can not be answered.

StreetComplete focuses on adding further details to already existing objects. As a result of this, users can only modify a subset of the data stored in the OpenStreetMap database. It is, e.g., not possible to change the geometry of buildings or roads. For such changes, users must switch to other editors, such as the iD editor.[4]

Gamification

A unique feature of the app compared to other OpenStreetMap editors is the use of gamification to make solving the quests fun and competitive. Users collect points with every quest they solve and can thus improve their national and global rank.[5] [4]

Usage

In the ranking of OpenStreetMap editors, StreetComplete takes second place according to number of users[6] [7] and fourth place according to number of edits.[8] [7] This makes the app the highest-placed smartphone app in both categories.

Development

StreetComplete is licensed under the GNU General Public License 3.0[3] and is continuously developed as an Open Source project. The source code is published on the project website. The Android app was released in 2017,[9] an iOS version is planned.[10]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: StreetComplete. en . 2024-10-06.
  2. Web site: OpenStreetMap Wiki - StreetComplete Quests. en . 2024-10-06.
  3. Web site: How I had a nerdy date night with StreetComplete quests. opensource.com . Weichler . Jess. January 28, 2020. en . 2024-10-08.
  4. Web site: StreetComplete - Review. Vibber . Kelson. March 9, 2022. en . 2024-10-08.
  5. Web site: StreetComplete is a gamified Android app specifically for casual contributors to OpenStreetMap Editor for mapping in the field . 2023-07-23. en . 2024-10-08.
  6. Web site: OpenStreetMap Statistics - contributor count per editing software . 2024-10-08.
  7. Web site: OpenStreetMap Wiki - StreetComplete . 2024-10-06.
  8. Web site: OpenStreetMap Statistics - edit count per editing software . 2024-10-08.
  9. Web site: Google Play Store . 2024-10-06.
  10. Web site: GitHub - iOS Planning . en . 2024-10-06.