# OpenStreetMap and governement - in Belgium

###### tags: `projects osm be`

## What are the barriers for governments to participate?

I'll talk about getting OSM to become OpenStreetMap contributors.
We start by trying to enthuse people. And that always results in "yes, but...". These days, we come prepared!

- yes, but anyone can edit
- indeed, vandalism is possible and does happen (though the map looks better every week so we're doing something right)
- but we do have it mostly under control
- and we can build a control chain together (example: [OsmCHA link](https://osmcha.org/?filters=%7B%22comment%22%3A%5B%7B%22label%22%3A%22%23charging_stations%22%2C%22value%22%3A%22%23charging_stations%22%7D%5D%2C%22date__gte%22%3A%5B%7B%22label%22%3A%222021-05-05%22%2C%22value%22%3A%222021-05-05%22%7D%5D%2C%22editor%22%3A%5B%7B%22label%22%3A%22MapComplete%22%2C%22value%22%3A%22MapComplete%22%7D%5D%7D) in [MapComplete](https://openstreetmap.be/en/projects/mapcomplete.html))
- yes, but we already need to do so many things
* Don't do the same thing twice! If you are legally obligated to do things, we will try to re-use that work as much as possible. See for example [Road completion project](https://github.com/osmbe/road-completion/)
* sometimes perhaps you should just NOT do things alone - it will save you (and data consumers!) a crazy amount of time
* you won't be doing it alone!
- yes, but it is so difficult
* offer tools to make it really easy: MapComplete!
* offer training: run by volunteers or with the help of partners in the private sector
- yes, but the license
* explain when that might be an issue - and when it isn't (spoiler: that's usually the case)

- yes, but if we do OSM, don't we have to also do Google Maps, Waze, all sorts of POI collectors?
* well, just give open data and we're all happy
* we actually care about your data, contrary to some others
* in OSM you're welcome as someone who shapes the project, not just a provider
- yes, but we need the data ourselves too!
* teach data extraction;
* show how to integrate MapComplete

## Success stories

Why is OSM still attractive, even with all the "yes, but's"?
- governement is incredibly complex - even within governement levels - and we have so many levels.
In OSM you are automatically working together and helping each other.

- OSM is the de facto standard for more and more data
* tourism:
- data goes straight to apps that tourists are already using! E.g. visibility of hiking routes (free marketing)
- basemap for own waymarked trails managament
* non-car transport
- cycle route planners
- that need good data
- role of Anyways.eu (and for other projects [champs-libres](https://www.champs-libres.coop/)
* small POIs that have complicated management
- defibrillators > [Mapcomplete tool for bringing together all data in one centralized database](https://mapcomplete.osm.be/aed_brugge?z=16&lat=51.21808&lon=3.212535))
- glass disposal containers and the like
- small neighborhood infrastructure (benches, waste baskets, playgrounds, picnic sites,...)

You are more convincing when the data is already being used
Your data will be used more if it's offered in an attractive way
You will get more contributors if there are more data users and it's easy to contribute

Encourage the virtuous cycle!