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OldInsuranceMaps.net Becomes an OpenStreetMap US Charter Project
Key points
- OldInsuranceMaps.net (OIM) is now an OSM US Charter Project.
- OIM hosts over 1200 georeferenced Sanborn maps from 1867-1960s.
- The platform allows users to request and georeference historical maps.
- Adam Cox started OIM in 2022 at Louisiana State University.
OldInsuranceMaps.net Joins OSM US Charter Projects
OldInsuranceMaps.net (OIM), a platform dedicated to making historical Sanborn Insurance Maps accessible, has been announced as the latest Charter Project by OpenStreetMap US. This designation signifies a formal collaboration to further the creation and accessibility of open historical mapping resources.
About Sanborn Maps and OIM
Sanborn Insurance Maps, produced from 1867 into the 1960s, provide detailed geographic data for the United States, often featuring updates pasted over original prints. These maps are a resource for historical mappers and researchers. Adam Cox initiated OIM in 2022 at Louisiana State University, and the platform currently hosts over 1200 Sanborn maps, primarily sourced from the Library of Congress.
Community and Accessibility
OIM attracts a diverse user base, including hobbyists, scholars, and professionals. The platform allows anyone to request the addition of Sanborn maps for specific cities or towns. Scanned maps can then be georeferenced by volunteers who place ground control points and digitally stitch map pages together. The interface is designed for ease of use, regardless of a user's prior knowledge of geography or GIS.
Impact of Charter Project Status
Becoming a Charter Project is intended to elevate OIM's mission of facilitating open historical map materials. The alignment with OpenStreetMap US's organizational ethos is expected to support the project's growth and community engagement, enhancing its capacity to provide accessible, engaging, and robust historical mapping data.
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Primary sources
GitHub ohmg-dev/OldInsuranceMapsReporting from
OldInsuranceMaps.net (OIM), a platform for georeferenced historical Sanborn maps, has been designated a Charter Project by OpenStreetMap US. This integration aims to enhance the accessibility and creation of open historical map materials, benefiting researchers and hobbyists.