Quality Verification of Volunteered Geographic Information Using OSM Notes Data in a Global Context

Toshikazu Seto,Hiroshi Kanasugi,Yuichiro Nishimura

doi:10.3390/ijgi9060372

Abstract

Although the data obtained from volunteered geographic information (VGI) are inherently different from public surveys, the quantity of the data are vast and the quality of the data are often poor. To improve the quality of VGI data, the positional accuracy and diversity and interaction of the number of users involved in the regional generation of the data are important. This research proposes a new approach for the accumulation of OpenStreetMap (OSM) data by using OSM Notes and attempts to analyze the geographical distribution and the characteristics of the contents of the contributions, quantitatively and qualitatively. Subsequently, the results demonstrated regional differences in OSM Notes, but it provided users with an understanding of the new features of quality management in OSM, even in regions where OSM activities are not necessarily active. In addition, it was also possible to discover new factors such as the time transition required for the correction and contribution of anonymous users. These results are expected to serve as a tool for users to communicate with each other to resolve data bugs that exist in OSM and provide future researchers with examples of user interaction in global OSM activities.

Highlights

Among the geospatial information generated through the Internet, there was an increase in the amount of data shared voluntarily
The OpenStreetMap (OSM) project, which began in the United Kingdom (UK) in 2004 to promote the “free” utilization of geospatial information, is a representative example of Volunteered geographic information (VGI)
The exploratory analysis of OSM Notes in this study provides an understanding of how OSM users practiced quality management

Summary

Introduction

Among the geospatial information generated through the Internet, there was an increase in the amount of data shared voluntarily. Discussions on data quality, for example, the data location accuracy, spatial data inequalities, appropriate metadata and data model optimization, were included in VGI studies [2]. The OpenStreetMap (OSM) project, which began in the United Kingdom (UK) in 2004 to promote the “free” utilization of geospatial information, is a representative example of VGI. As OSM is an activity that respects grassroots activities, data accuracy is generally not guaranteed. It was demonstrated that it is important to include the involvement and collaborative development of the many contributors involved in regional data generation to improve the quality of VGI data [4]. Studies on user behavior and trends included studies focusing on user preferences [8] and studies analyzing contributor behavior by country [9]

Objectives

Findings

Discussion

Conclusion