This is kind of an interesting topic. . . .

Richard Weait will present an introduction to OpenStreetMap, a collaborative, open GIS data service.
http://www.openstreetmap.org/"

A presentation on Wednesday, 2008-11-05 at the Philly LINUX User Group (PLUG Central) in Philly
which meets at the USP Univ of the Sciences in West Philly.
(http://www.phillylinux.org/locations/usp.html)

Richard will be in the area for a few days as follows:
2008-11-05 Wed: PLUG Central
-06 Thur: TBD
-07 Fri: TBD
-08 Sat: Mapping party (not sure where, probably Philly)

Briefly, OpenStreetmap is an open source effort to create maps (not just for streets) for the entire world (think Wikipedia for maps). You take a GPS that can "track" and drive the streets; walk, bike, hike, ride, the trail; whatever. Then you upload the data, annotate attractions (i.e., liberty bell, best bars, etc.) and submit the data. When done in a group this is a "map party," great for scout troops, orienteering, geocachers, geo hashers, etc.

One of the cool parts is that you can then turn around and download the entire data set (like Wikipedia). And all the tools are open source as well, so it's a great way to learn about mapping stuff.

It's a very neat concept and the presentation and demos are really cool (I saw the last preso at PLUG West). Anyone interested in mapping, orienteering, etc. should really attend if possible.