Lets just think about the end goals of getting MPs involved: adding more data to the map.
Now basically there seems to be 2 threads of argument about how best to do this: 1) Through mass import of external datasets and 2) through contributions by users. Method 1) is often required for things that can't be easily surveyed, such as administrative borders whereas method 2) tends to yield better results for things open to "rapid" (ie, static for <1-2 years) changes such as POIs and new housing developments. >From that basis one would then ask what is a higher priority for our part of >the world. In my opinion completion of street name surveys is probably the >highest priority, as once that's done OSM begins to look like a useful tool >for people who aren't interested in contributing, eg tourists, small >businesses etc. This is not to say that administrative borders aren't useful, but if I was in a foreign country I'm much more interested in navigation, where to eat, where the closest toilet is etc than what suburb I'm in or exactly where the border of a national park is. So anyway, what I'm trying to get to is a consensus on what would be a more efficient use of our time: marketing to the masses or petitioning for government databases. Personally I think that marketing to the masses would yield better results. Ie: organise more mapping parties where newbies are encouraged to attend and are introduced to a friendly, supportive atmosphere. Or get a few small regions "finished" and get some printed maps into tourist information centers and youth hostels. I dare say that small regions such as the Sydney CBD and Canberra would be excellent pilot projects which could be started right away. By getting lots of free maps out to the people it broadens our readership. Eventually I think it would be really awesome to get an OSM street directory onto bookshop shelves, starting with capital cities (or regional centers, as they're smaller goals) and eventually (in 5-10 years) publishing an "OSM touring guide", complete with a Wikipedia-like database of town descriptions, free camping sites etc, kind of like a compeditor to Explore Australia. Anyway, I've seriously rambled on here. I think that both general populace marketing and MP petitioning are needed, but if somebody has some spare time and a choice, what does Talk-Au think they should concentrate on? Brent ----- Original Message ----- From: Delta Foxtrot <delta_foxt...@yahoo.com> Date: Sunday, June 14, 2009 11:29 pm Subject: [talk-au] Petition to MP To: talk-au@openstreetmap.org > > I'm just wondering, nothing came up on google when searching, if > there is any example letters floating about petitioning MPs for > access to federal data and making it public domain. > > The reason I ask is the electorate, both state and federal, I'm > in is currently held by independents and they might be > sympathetic to the cause, or at least give lip service about it :) > > Just a thought, but previous letters that usually address non- > local specific issues tended to get forwarded to the relevant > ministers and form letters were replied. > > I believe the state member was formally the mayor of Armidale > council so he may have access to other resources, for that area > at least. > > Has anyone gone down this path before, if so what was the outcome? > > > > > _______________________________________________ > Talk-au mailing list > Talk-au@openstreetmap.org > http://lists.openstreetmap.org/listinfo/talk-au >
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