August 20, 2004 - First presentation of OSM at EuroFOO

On August 20, 2004, Steve Coast, then a physics student at University College London, introduced his groundbreaking idea for OpenStreetMap (OSM) during a presentation at EuroFOO. In this talk, Coast shared his vision for a collaborative, editable map of the world, challenging the status quo of inaccessible and non-editable mapping data.

Coast highlighted the limitations of existing map data, such as that from the Ordnance Survey in the UK, which was neither freely available nor editable. He proposed an ambitious alternative: a free, open-source map that anyone could edit, similar to Wikipedia. This idea stemmed from his personal experiments with mapping, where he used a USB GPS receiver, an old laptop, and GPS units to create maps of London.

Coast demonstrated the potential of OpenStreetMap by showing the WAAG map of Amsterdam (pictured left), created by volunteers with GPS devices. He envisioned a platform where multiple users could contribute and edit data, using OpenGIS SQL databases and custom trace and editing software. Despite challenges such as GPS accuracy and the complexity of display software, Coast believed in the feasibility and necessity of OSM.

During the presentation, attendees discussed the potential sources of GPS data, like courier companies, and the possibility of enhancing GPS accuracy through differential GPS technology. Coast’s vision was to democratize cartography, making mapping accessible to everyone and allowing for more temporally accurate and detailed maps.

Steve Coast’s presentation at EuroFOO marked a pivotal moment in the history of cartography, laying the foundation for what would become a global movement. Today, OpenStreetMap is a testament to the power of collaborative innovation, driven by the contributions of millions of volunteers worldwide.