AOL Launches Open Source Map Project: OpenStreetMap

AOL has launched an open source United Kingdom based project called OpenStreetMap. OpenStreetMap focuses on user-created mapping and AOL is putting $1 million behind the project. Even though the project is U.K. based, users can navigate to use-created maps in any country.

“We fundamentally believe that community-contributed mapping will be better than any closed platform,” said AOL Ventures EVP Jon Brod in an interview. Another reason for this effort is AOL’s is in the process of finding additional ways to compete against Google Maps. MapQuest had about 49 million unique visitors in May, while Google Maps had 63 million. MapQuest recently underwent a redesign last month too.

[Wall Street Journal]

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