OSGeo - User contributions [en]

Israel Hiking and Biking Maps

2018-07-25T05:59:23Z

Wiki-Guy Shakhar: /* Benefits */

[[File:IHBM-Biking.png|300px|thumbnail|right|Biking lanes (green) and safe streets (light blue) in Tel Aviv]]
[[File:IHBM-Hiking.jpg|300px|thumbnail|right|Blazed hiking trails near Jerusalem]]
=== Initial Aims ===
The project was initiated in 2014 to provide hikers and bikers with access to open maps of Israel. It also aimed at involving more volunteers in the local Open GIS community.
=== Implementation ===
We developed an interactive [https://israelhiking.osm.org.il website]. It provides six maps (basemaps and transparent overlays in 2 languages) based on open data (OSM + SRTM elevation data) and an interface for planning and sharing routes. The maps and interface were developed using open-source code. The development effort is coordinated in a dedicated [https://github.com/IsraelHikingMap GitHub page].
=== Benefits: ===
==== For hikers ====
Previously, hikers relied on prohibitively-priced government-issued printed maps of hiking paths in Israel. This limited the access of economically disadvantaged populations to nature trails. Now everybody can use the free maps on smartphones or print them out.
==== For bikers ====
Our map marks bike paths in cities and safer streets for cycling, and the interface prioritizes these when auto-routing planned bicycle rides. Together these allow cyclists to
plan safer commuting routes within dense cities in Israel. For the benefit of MTB riders, grading of mountain bike trails and height profiles are also shown.
==== For OSM mappers ====
The project has allowed unskilled users to easily add data to OSM and Wikipedia by making the update process more accessible and tuned to their needs. It improved mapping coverage significantly in Israel since it began.
==== For opensource GIS developers ====
The open code we generated contains several useful procedures for developers of similar projects. These include identification of GPX sections missing from OSM, merger of identical points of interest in OSM and wikipedia and more.
We are beginning to migrate to docker and to micro services architecture that would allow micro services we develop to be easily re-used [https://github.com/IsraelHikingMap/GPSBabelWebAPI (example)].
The algorithms we developed and documented can be translated to any language needed in order to be used in other places.
Every operation can be used by API HTTP calls and is documented with swagger. This enables, for example, to use this API to geosearch entities from OSM including relations.

=== Volunteers ===
So far the design and coding of the maps and user interface relied on a core of three
volunteers who communicate and meet regularly. We are helped by several occasional contributors. All
development has been pro-bono.

=== Mapping community ===
The project has attracted a devout community of mappers to contribute to open
GIS data. Our supporters exchange ideas, tips and suggestions in a [https://www.facebook.com/groups/994960670559126/ Facebook group] (Hebrew) with over 3000 members. A face-to-face training meeting and a mapping party has been organized and well-attended in 2017 and 2018.
=== Impact===
Our site now attracts around 40,000 views per month. Many more use our open maps within various navigation apps or presented in collaborating websites. This open alternative now pushes government agencies to rethink their closed-garden approach to geo-data, and release some of it under open licenses.

=== International scaling effort ===
We would like the site to go international. The benefits the site provides are by no means regionally-restricted.
We have already provided an English version of the maps and interface.
More volunteer work is needed to translate documentation and to adapt the infrastructure to world-wide coverage.
We would need funds to buy server space on a globally-dispersed service.
===Budgetary needs===
We are seeking a funding source for US$7,500 that would allow us to scale the project internationally.

Israel Hiking and Biking Maps

2018-07-25T05:58:53Z

Wiki-Guy Shakhar: /* For opensource GIS developers */

[[File:IHBM-Biking.png|300px|thumbnail|right|Biking lanes (green) and safe streets (light blue) in Tel Aviv]]
[[File:IHBM-Hiking.jpg|300px|thumbnail|right|Blazed hiking trails near Jerusalem]]
=== Initial Aims ===
The project was initiated in 2014 to provide hikers and bikers with access to open maps of Israel. It also aimed at involving more volunteers in the local Open GIS community.
=== Implementation ===
We developed an interactive [https://israelhiking.osm.org.il website]. It provides six maps (basemaps and transparent overlays in 2 languages) based on open data (OSM + SRTM elevation data) and an interface for planning and sharing routes. The maps and interface were developed using open-source code. The development effort is coordinated in a dedicated [https://github.com/IsraelHikingMap GitHub page].
=== Benefits ===
==== For hikers ====
Previously, hikers relied on prohibitively-priced government-issued printed maps of hiking paths in Israel. This limited the access of economically disadvantaged populations to nature trails. Now everybody can use the free maps on smartphones or print them out.
==== For bikers ====
Our map marks bike paths in cities and safer streets for cycling, and the interface prioritizes these when auto-routing planned bicycle rides. Together these allow cyclists to
plan safer commuting routes within dense cities in Israel. For the benefit of MTB riders, grading of mountain bike trails and height profiles are also shown.
==== For OSM mappers ====
The project has allowed unskilled users to easily add data to OSM and Wikipedia by making the update process more accessible and tuned to their needs. It improved mapping coverage significantly in Israel since it began.
==== For opensource GIS developers ====
The open code we generated contains several useful procedures for developers of similar projects. These include identification of GPX sections missing from OSM, merger of identical points of interest in OSM and wikipedia and more.
We are beginning to migrate to docker and to micro services architecture that would allow micro services we develop to be easily re-used [https://github.com/IsraelHikingMap/GPSBabelWebAPI (example)].
The algorithms we developed and documented can be translated to any language needed in order to be used in other places.
Every operation can be used by API HTTP calls and is documented with swagger. This enables, for example, to use this API to geosearch entities from OSM including relations.

=== Volunteers ===
So far the design and coding of the maps and user interface relied on a core of three
volunteers who communicate and meet regularly. We are helped by several occasional contributors. All
development has been pro-bono.

=== Mapping community ===
The project has attracted a devout community of mappers to contribute to open
GIS data. Our supporters exchange ideas, tips and suggestions in a [https://www.facebook.com/groups/994960670559126/ Facebook group] (Hebrew) with over 3000 members. A face-to-face training meeting and a mapping party has been organized and well-attended in 2017 and 2018.
=== Impact===
Our site now attracts around 40,000 views per month. Many more use our open maps within various navigation apps or presented in collaborating websites. This open alternative now pushes government agencies to rethink their closed-garden approach to geo-data, and release some of it under open licenses.

=== International scaling effort ===
We would like the site to go international. The benefits the site provides are by no means regionally-restricted.
We have already provided an English version of the maps and interface.
More volunteer work is needed to translate documentation and to adapt the infrastructure to world-wide coverage.
We would need funds to buy server space on a globally-dispersed service.
===Budgetary needs===
We are seeking a funding source for US$7,500 that would allow us to scale the project internationally.

Israel Hiking and Biking Maps

2018-07-25T05:56:47Z

Wiki-Guy Shakhar:

[[File:IHBM-Biking.png|300px|thumbnail|right|Biking lanes (green) and safe streets (light blue) in Tel Aviv]]
[[File:IHBM-Hiking.jpg|300px|thumbnail|right|Blazed hiking trails near Jerusalem]]
=== Initial Aims ===
The project was initiated in 2014 to provide hikers and bikers with access to open maps of Israel. It also aimed at involving more volunteers in the local Open GIS community.
=== Implementation ===
We developed an interactive [https://israelhiking.osm.org.il website]. It provides six maps (basemaps and transparent overlays in 2 languages) based on open data (OSM + SRTM elevation data) and an interface for planning and sharing routes. The maps and interface were developed using open-source code. The development effort is coordinated in a dedicated [https://github.com/IsraelHikingMap GitHub page].
=== Benefits ===
==== For hikers ====
Previously, hikers relied on prohibitively-priced government-issued printed maps of hiking paths in Israel. This limited the access of economically disadvantaged populations to nature trails. Now everybody can use the free maps on smartphones or print them out.
==== For bikers ====
Our map marks bike paths in cities and safer streets for cycling, and the interface prioritizes these when auto-routing planned bicycle rides. Together these allow cyclists to
plan safer commuting routes within dense cities in Israel. For the benefit of MTB riders, grading of mountain bike trails and height profiles are also shown.
==== For OSM mappers ====
The project has allowed unskilled users to easily add data to OSM and Wikipedia by making the update process more accessible and tuned to their needs. It improved mapping coverage significantly in Israel since it began.
==== For opensource GIS developers ====
The open code we generated contains several useful procedures for developers of similar projects. These include identification of GPX sections missing from OSM, merger of identical points of interest in OSM and wikipedia and more.
We are beginning to migrate to docker and to micro services architecture that would allow micro services we develop to be easily re-used ([https://github.com/IsraelHikingMap/GPSBabelWebAPI|example]).
The algorithms we developed and documented can be translated to any language needed in order to be used in other places.
Every operation can be used by API HTTP calls and is documented with swagger. This enables, for example, to use this API to geosearch entities from OSM including relations.

=== Volunteers ===
So far the design and coding of the maps and user interface relied on a core of three
volunteers who communicate and meet regularly. We are helped by several occasional contributors. All
development has been pro-bono.

=== Mapping community ===
The project has attracted a devout community of mappers to contribute to open
GIS data. Our supporters exchange ideas, tips and suggestions in a [https://www.facebook.com/groups/994960670559126/ Facebook group] (Hebrew) with over 3000 members. A face-to-face training meeting and a mapping party has been organized and well-attended in 2017 and 2018.
=== Impact===
Our site now attracts around 40,000 views per month. Many more use our open maps within various navigation apps or presented in collaborating websites. This open alternative now pushes government agencies to rethink their closed-garden approach to geo-data, and release some of it under open licenses.

=== International scaling effort ===
We would like the site to go international. The benefits the site provides are by no means regionally-restricted.
We have already provided an English version of the maps and interface.
More volunteer work is needed to translate documentation and to adapt the infrastructure to world-wide coverage.
We would need funds to buy server space on a globally-dispersed service.
===Budgetary needs===
We are seeking a funding source for US$7,500 that would allow us to scale the project internationally.

Israel Hiking and Biking Maps

2018-07-25T05:53:17Z

Wiki-Guy Shakhar: /* Benefit for bikers */

[[File:IHBM-Biking.png|300px|thumbnail|right|Biking lanes (green) and safe streets (light blue) in Tel Aviv]]
[[File:IHBM-Hiking.jpg|300px|thumbnail|right|Blazed hiking trails near Jerusalem]]
=== Initial Aims ===
The project was initiated in 2014 to provide hikers and bikers with access to open maps of Israel. It also aimed at involving more volunteers in the local Open GIS community.
=== Implementation ===
We developed an interactive [https://israelhiking.osm.org.il website]. It provides six maps (basemaps and transparent overlays in 2 languages) based on open data (OSM + SRTM elevation data) and an interface for planning and sharing routes. The maps and interface were developed using open-source code. The development effort is coordinated in a dedicated [https://github.com/IsraelHikingMap GitHub page].

=== Benefit for hikers ===
Previously, hikers relied on prohibitively-priced government-issued printed maps of hiking paths in Israel. This limited the access of economically disadvantaged populations to nature trails. Now everybody can use the free maps on smartphones or print them out.
=== Benefit for bikers ===
Our map marks bike paths in cities and safer streets for cycling, and the interface prioritizes these when auto-routing planned bicycle rides. Together these allow cyclists to
plan safer commuting routes within dense cities in Israel. For the benefit of MTB riders, grading of mountain bike trails and height profiles are also shown.
=== Benefit for OSM mappers ===
The project has allowed unskilled users to easily add data to OSM and Wikipedia by making the update process more accessible and tuned to their needs. It improved mapping coverage significantly in Israel since it began.
=== Benefit for opensource GIS developers ===
The open code we generated contains several useful procedures for developers of similar projects. These include identification of GPX sections missing from OSM, merger of identical points of interest in OSM and wikipedia and more.
We are beginning to migrate to docker and to micro services architecture that would allow micro services we develop to be easily re-used ([[ https://github.com/IsraelHikingMap/GPSBabelWebAPI|example]]).
The algorithms we developed and documented can be translated to any language needed in order to be used in other places.
Every operation can be used by API HTTP calls and is documented with swagger. This enables, for example, to use this API to geosearch entities from OSM including relations.

=== Volunteers ===
So far the design and coding of the maps and user interface relied on a core of three
volunteers who communicate and meet regularly. We are helped by several occasional contributors. All
development has been pro-bono.

=== Mapping community ===
The project has attracted a devout community of mappers to contribute to open
GIS data. Our supporters exchange ideas, tips and suggestions in a [https://www.facebook.com/groups/994960670559126/ Facebook group] (Hebrew) with over 3000 members. A face-to-face training meeting and a mapping party has been organized and well-attended in 2017 and 2018.
=== Impact===
Our site now attracts around 40,000 views per month. Many more use our open maps within various navigation apps or presented in collaborating websites. This open alternative now pushes government agencies to rethink their closed-garden approach to geo-data, and release some of it under open licenses.

=== International scaling effort ===
We would like the site to go international. The benefits the site provides are by no means regionally-restricted.
We have already provided an English version of the maps and interface.
More volunteer work is needed to translate documentation and to adapt the infrastructure to world-wide coverage.
We would need funds to buy server space on a globally-dispersed service.
===Budgetary needs===
We are seeking a funding source for US$7,500 that would allow us to scale the project internationally.

Israel Hiking and Biking Maps

2018-07-24T12:23:02Z

Wiki-Guy Shakhar: /* Implementation */

[[File:IHBM-Biking.png|300px|thumbnail|right|Biking lanes (green) and safe streets (light blue) in Tel Aviv]]
[[File:IHBM-Hiking.jpg|300px|thumbnail|right|Blazed hiking trails near Jerusalem]]
=== Initial Aims ===
The project was initiated in 2014 to provide hikers and bikers with access to open maps of Israel. It also aimed at involving more volunteers in the local Open GIS community.
=== Implementation ===
We developed an interactive [https://israelhiking.osm.org.il website]. It provides six maps (basemaps and transparent overlays in 2 languages) based on open data (OSM + SRTM elevation data) and an interface for planning and sharing routes. The maps and interface were developed using open-source code. The development effort is coordinated in a dedicated [https://github.com/IsraelHikingMap GitHub page].

=== Benefit for hikers ===
Previously, hikers relied on prohibitively-priced government-issued printed maps of hiking paths in Israel. This limited the access of economically disadvantaged populations to nature trails. Now everybody can use the free maps on smartphones or print them out.
=== Benefit for bikers ===
Our map marks bike paths in cities and safer streets for cycling, and the interface prioritizes these when auto-routing planned bicycle rides. Together these allow cyclists to
plan safer commuting routes within dense cities in Israel. For the benefit of MTB riders, grading of mountain bike trails and height profiles are also shown.

=== Volunteers ===
So far the design and coding of the maps and user interface relied on a core of three
volunteers who communicate and meet regularly. We are helped by several occasional contributors. All
development has been pro-bono.

=== Mapping community ===
The project has attracted a devout community of mappers to contribute to open
GIS data. Our supporters exchange ideas, tips and suggestions in a [https://www.facebook.com/groups/994960670559126/ Facebook group] (Hebrew) with over 3000 members. A face-to-face training meeting and a mapping party has been organized and well-attended in 2017 and 2018.
=== Impact===
Our site now attracts around 40,000 views per month. Many more use our open maps within various navigation apps or presented in collaborating websites. This open alternative now pushes government agencies to rethink their closed-garden approach to geo-data, and release some of it under open licenses.

=== International scaling effort ===
We would like the site to go international. The benefits the site provides are by no means regionally-restricted.
We have already provided an English version of the maps and interface.
More volunteer work is needed to translate documentation and to adapt the infrastructure to world-wide coverage.
We would need funds to buy server space on a globally-dispersed service.
===Budgetary needs===
We are seeking a funding source for US$7,500 that would allow us to scale the project internationally.

Israel Hiking and Biking Maps

2018-07-24T12:20:53Z

Wiki-Guy Shakhar: /* Budgetary needs */

[[File:IHBM-Biking.png|300px|thumbnail|right|Biking lanes (green) and safe streets (light blue) in Tel Aviv]]
[[File:IHBM-Hiking.jpg|300px|thumbnail|right|Blazed hiking trails near Jerusalem]]
=== Initial Aims ===
The project was initiated in 2014 to provide hikers and bikers with access to open maps of Israel. It also aimed at involving more volunteers in the local Open GIS community.
=== Implementation ===
We developed an interactive [https://israelhiking.osm.org.il website]. It provided two maps based on open data (OSM + SRTM elevation data) and
an interface for planning and sharing routes. The maps and interface were developed using open-source code. The development effort is coordinated in a dedicated [https://github.com/IsraelHikingMap GitHub page].

=== Benefit for hikers ===
Previously, hikers relied on prohibitively-priced government-issued printed maps of hiking paths in Israel. This limited the access of economically disadvantaged populations to nature trails. Now everybody can use the free maps on smartphones or print them out.
=== Benefit for bikers ===
Our map marks bike paths in cities and safer streets for cycling, and the interface prioritizes these when auto-routing planned bicycle rides. Together these allow cyclists to
plan safer commuting routes within dense cities in Israel. For the benefit of MTB riders, grading of mountain bike trails and height profiles are also shown.

=== Volunteers ===
So far the design and coding of the maps and user interface relied on a core of three
volunteers who communicate and meet regularly. We are helped by several occasional contributors. All
development has been pro-bono.

=== Mapping community ===
The project has attracted a devout community of mappers to contribute to open
GIS data. Our supporters exchange ideas, tips and suggestions in a [https://www.facebook.com/groups/994960670559126/ Facebook group] (Hebrew) with over 3000 members. A face-to-face training meeting and a mapping party has been organized and well-attended in 2017 and 2018.
=== Impact===
Our site now attracts around 40,000 views per month. Many more use our open maps within various navigation apps or presented in collaborating websites. This open alternative now pushes government agencies to rethink their closed-garden approach to geo-data, and release some of it under open licenses.

=== International scaling effort ===
We would like the site to go international. The benefits the site provides are by no means regionally-restricted.
We have already provided an English version of the maps and interface.
More volunteer work is needed to translate documentation and to adapt the infrastructure to world-wide coverage.
We would need funds to buy server space on a globally-dispersed service.
===Budgetary needs===
We are seeking a funding source for US$7,500 that would allow us to scale the project internationally.

Israel Hiking and Biking Maps

2018-07-24T12:20:41Z

Wiki-Guy Shakhar: /* Budgetary needs */

[[File:IHBM-Biking.png|300px|thumbnail|right|Biking lanes (green) and safe streets (light blue) in Tel Aviv]]
[[File:IHBM-Hiking.jpg|300px|thumbnail|right|Blazed hiking trails near Jerusalem]]
=== Initial Aims ===
The project was initiated in 2014 to provide hikers and bikers with access to open maps of Israel. It also aimed at involving more volunteers in the local Open GIS community.
=== Implementation ===
We developed an interactive [https://israelhiking.osm.org.il website]. It provided two maps based on open data (OSM + SRTM elevation data) and
an interface for planning and sharing routes. The maps and interface were developed using open-source code. The development effort is coordinated in a dedicated [https://github.com/IsraelHikingMap GitHub page].

=== Benefit for hikers ===
Previously, hikers relied on prohibitively-priced government-issued printed maps of hiking paths in Israel. This limited the access of economically disadvantaged populations to nature trails. Now everybody can use the free maps on smartphones or print them out.
=== Benefit for bikers ===
Our map marks bike paths in cities and safer streets for cycling, and the interface prioritizes these when auto-routing planned bicycle rides. Together these allow cyclists to
plan safer commuting routes within dense cities in Israel. For the benefit of MTB riders, grading of mountain bike trails and height profiles are also shown.

=== Volunteers ===
So far the design and coding of the maps and user interface relied on a core of three
volunteers who communicate and meet regularly. We are helped by several occasional contributors. All
development has been pro-bono.

=== Mapping community ===
The project has attracted a devout community of mappers to contribute to open
GIS data. Our supporters exchange ideas, tips and suggestions in a [https://www.facebook.com/groups/994960670559126/ Facebook group] (Hebrew) with over 3000 members. A face-to-face training meeting and a mapping party has been organized and well-attended in 2017 and 2018.
=== Impact===
Our site now attracts around 40,000 views per month. Many more use our open maps within various navigation apps or presented in collaborating websites. This open alternative now pushes government agencies to rethink their closed-garden approach to geo-data, and release some of it under open licenses.

=== International scaling effort ===
We would like the site to go international. The benefits the site provides are by no means regionally-restricted.
We have already provided an English version of the maps and interface.
More volunteer work is needed to translate documentation and to adapt the infrastructure to world-wide coverage.
We would need funds to buy server space on a globally-dispersed service.
===Budgetary needs===
We are seeking a finding source for US$7,500 that would allow us to scale the project internationally.

Israel Hiking and Biking Maps

2018-07-24T12:20:14Z

Wiki-Guy Shakhar: /* International scaling effort */

[[File:IHBM-Biking.png|300px|thumbnail|right|Biking lanes (green) and safe streets (light blue) in Tel Aviv]]
[[File:IHBM-Hiking.jpg|300px|thumbnail|right|Blazed hiking trails near Jerusalem]]
=== Initial Aims ===
The project was initiated in 2014 to provide hikers and bikers with access to open maps of Israel. It also aimed at involving more volunteers in the local Open GIS community.
=== Implementation ===
We developed an interactive [https://israelhiking.osm.org.il website]. It provided two maps based on open data (OSM + SRTM elevation data) and
an interface for planning and sharing routes. The maps and interface were developed using open-source code. The development effort is coordinated in a dedicated [https://github.com/IsraelHikingMap GitHub page].

=== Benefit for hikers ===
Previously, hikers relied on prohibitively-priced government-issued printed maps of hiking paths in Israel. This limited the access of economically disadvantaged populations to nature trails. Now everybody can use the free maps on smartphones or print them out.
=== Benefit for bikers ===
Our map marks bike paths in cities and safer streets for cycling, and the interface prioritizes these when auto-routing planned bicycle rides. Together these allow cyclists to
plan safer commuting routes within dense cities in Israel. For the benefit of MTB riders, grading of mountain bike trails and height profiles are also shown.

=== Volunteers ===
So far the design and coding of the maps and user interface relied on a core of three
volunteers who communicate and meet regularly. We are helped by several occasional contributors. All
development has been pro-bono.

=== Mapping community ===
The project has attracted a devout community of mappers to contribute to open
GIS data. Our supporters exchange ideas, tips and suggestions in a [https://www.facebook.com/groups/994960670559126/ Facebook group] (Hebrew) with over 3000 members. A face-to-face training meeting and a mapping party has been organized and well-attended in 2017 and 2018.
=== Impact===
Our site now attracts around 40,000 views per month. Many more use our open maps within various navigation apps or presented in collaborating websites. This open alternative now pushes government agencies to rethink their closed-garden approach to geo-data, and release some of it under open licenses.

=== International scaling effort ===
We would like the site to go international. The benefits the site provides are by no means regionally-restricted.
We have already provided an English version of the maps and interface.
More volunteer work is needed to translate documentation and to adapt the infrastructure to world-wide coverage.
We would need funds to buy server space on a globally-dispersed service.
===Budgetary needs===
We are seeking a finding source for $7500 that would allow us to scale the project internationally.

Israel Hiking and Biking Maps

2018-07-24T12:15:52Z

Wiki-Guy Shakhar: /* International scaling effort */

Israel Hiking and Biking Maps

2018-07-24T12:14:55Z

Wiki-Guy Shakhar: /* Volunteers */

Israel Hiking and Biking Maps

2018-07-24T12:14:01Z

Wiki-Guy Shakhar: /* Benefit for bikers */

Israel Hiking and Biking Maps

2018-07-24T12:11:03Z

Wiki-Guy Shakhar: /* Implementation */

Israel Hiking and Biking Maps

2018-07-24T12:08:53Z

Wiki-Guy Shakhar: /* Impuct */

Israel Hiking and Biking Maps

2018-07-24T12:06:31Z

Wiki-Guy Shakhar:

Israel Hiking and Biking Maps

2018-07-24T12:05:27Z

Wiki-Guy Shakhar:

'''<big>Under construction!</big>'''
=== Initial Aims ===
The project was initiated in 2014 to provide hikers and bikers with access to open maps of Israel. It also aimed at involving more volunteers in the local Open GIS community.

=== Implementation ===
A [https://israelhiking.osm.org.il website] providing two maps based on open data (OSM + SRTM elevation data) and
an interface for planning and sharing routes. Both developed using open-source code. The development effort is coordinated in a dedicated [https://github.com/IsraelHikingMap GitHub page].

[[File:IHBM-Biking.png|300px|thumbnail|right|Biking lanes (green) and safe streets (light blue) in Tel Aviv]]
[[File:IHBM-Hiking.jpg|300px|thumbnail|right|Blazed hiking trails near Jerusalem]]

=== Benefit for hikers ===
Previously, hikers relied on prohibitively-priced government-issued printed maps of hiking paths in Israel. This limited the access of economically disadvantaged populations to nature trails. Now everybody can use the free maps on smartphones or print them out.

=== Benefit for bikers ===
Our map marks bike paths in cities and safer streets for cycling. Allowing cyclists to
plan safer commuting routes within dense cities in Israel. Grading of mountain bike trails is also shown.
=== Volunteers ===
So far the planning and coding of the maps and user interface relied on a core of three
volunteers who communicate and meet regularly, helped by several occasional contributors. All
development has been pro-bono.
=== Mapping community ===
The project has attracted a devout community of mappers to contribute to open
GIS data. Our supporters exchange ideas, tips and suggestions in a [https://www.facebook.com/groups/994960670559126/ Facebook group] (Hebrew) with over 3000 members. A face-to-face training meeting and a mapping party has been organized and well-attended in 2017 and 2018.

=== Impuct===
Our site now attracts around 40,000 views per month. Many more use our open maps within various navigation apps or presented in collaborating websites. This open alternative now pushes government agencies to rethink their closed-garden approach to geo-data.

=== International scaling effort ===
We would like the site to go international. The benefits the site provides are by no means regionally-restricted.
We have already provided an English version of the maps and interface.
More volunteer work is needed to translate documentation and to adapt the infrastructure to world-wide coverage.
We would need funds to purchase server space on a globally dispersed service.

Israel Hiking and Biking Maps

2018-07-24T12:01:50Z

Wiki-Guy Shakhar: /* Longer term aims */

'''<big>Under construction!</big>'''
=== Initial Aims ===
The project was initiated in 2014 to provide hikers and bikers with access to open maps of Israel. It also aimed at involving more volunteers in the local Open GIS community.

=== Implementation ===
A [https://israelhiking.osm.org.il website] providing two maps based on open data (OSM + SRTM elevation data) and
an interface for planning and sharing routes. Both developed using open-source code. The development effort is coordinated in a dedicated [https://github.com/IsraelHikingMap GitHub page].

=== Benefit for hikers ===
Previously, hikers relied on prohibitively-priced government-issued printed maps of hiking paths in Israel. This limited the access of economically disadvantaged populations to nature trails. Now everybody can use the free maps on smartphones or print them out.

=== Benefit for bikers ===
Our map marks bike paths in cities and safer streets for cycling. Allowing cyclists to
plan safer commuting routes within dense cities in Israel. Grading of mountain bike trails is also shown.
=== Volunteers ===
So far the planning and coding of the maps and user interface relied on a core of three
volunteers who communicate and meet regularly, helped by several occasional contributors. All
development has been pro-bono.
=== Mapping community ===
The project has attracted a devout community of mappers to contribute to open
GIS data. Our supporters exchange ideas, tips and suggestions in a [https://www.facebook.com/groups/994960670559126/ Facebook group] (Hebrew) with over 3000 members. A face-to-face training meeting and a mapping party has been organized and well-attended in 2017 and 2018.

=== Impuct===
Our site now attracts around 40,000 views per month. Many more use our open maps within various navigation apps or presented in collaborating websites. This open alternative now pushes government agencies to rethink their closed-garden approach to geo-data.

=== International scaling effort ===
We would like the site to go international. The benefits the site provides are by no means regionally-restricted.
We have already provided an English version of the maps and interface.
More volunteer work is needed to translate documentation and to adapt the infrastructure to world-wide coverage.
We would need funds to purchase server space on a globally dispersed service.

=== Sample map sections===
[[File:IHBM-Biking.png|300px|thumbnail|left|Biking lanes (green) and safe streets (light blue) in Tel Aviv]]
[[File:IHBM-Hiking.jpg|300px|thumbnail|left|Blazed hiking trails near Jerusalem]]

Israel Hiking and Biking Maps

2018-07-24T11:58:41Z

Wiki-Guy Shakhar: /* Sample map sections */

'''<big>Under construction!</big>'''
=== Initial Aims ===
The project was initiated in 2014 to provide hikers and bikers with access to open maps of Israel. It also aimed at involving more volunteers in the local Open GIS community.

=== Implementation ===
A [https://israelhiking.osm.org.il website] providing two maps based on open data (OSM + SRTM elevation data) and
an interface for planning and sharing routes. Both developed using open-source code. The development effort is coordinated in a dedicated [https://github.com/IsraelHikingMap GitHub page].

=== Benefit for hikers ===
Previously, hikers relied on prohibitively-priced government-issued printed maps of hiking paths in Israel. This limited the access of economically disadvantaged populations to nature trails. Now everybody can use the free maps on smartphones or print them out.

=== Benefit for bikers ===
Our map marks bike paths in cities and safer streets for cycling. Allowing cyclists to
plan safer commuting routes within dense cities in Israel. Grading of mountain bike trails is also shown.
=== Volunteers ===
So far the planning and coding of the maps and user interface relied on a core of three
volunteers who communicate and meet regularly, helped by several occasional contributors. All
development has been pro-bono.
=== Mapping community ===
The project has attracted a devout community of mappers to contribute to open
GIS data. Our supporters exchange ideas, tips and suggestions in a [https://www.facebook.com/groups/994960670559126/ Facebook group] (Hebrew) with over 3000 members. A face-to-face training meeting and a mapping party has been organized and well-attended in 2017 and 2018.

=== Impuct===
Our site now attracts around 40,000 views per month. Many more use our open maps within various navigation apps or presented in collaborating websites. This open alternative now pushes government agencies to rethink their closed-garden approach to geo-data.

=== Longer term aims ===
We would like the site to go international. The benefits the site provides are by no means regionally-restricted.
The programming effort needed to a adapt the infrastructure will be volunteered.
However, we would need funds to purchase server space on a globally dispersed service.

=== Sample map sections===
[[File:IHBM-Biking.png|300px|thumbnail|left|Biking lanes (green) and safe streets (light blue) in Tel Aviv]]
[[File:IHBM-Hiking.jpg|300px|thumbnail|left|Blazed hiking trails near Jerusalem]]

Israel Hiking and Biking Maps

2018-07-24T11:57:55Z

Wiki-Guy Shakhar: /* Benefit for hikers */

'''<big>Under construction!</big>'''
=== Initial Aims ===
The project was initiated in 2014 to provide hikers and bikers with access to open maps of Israel. It also aimed at involving more volunteers in the local Open GIS community.

=== Implementation ===
A [https://israelhiking.osm.org.il website] providing two maps based on open data (OSM + SRTM elevation data) and
an interface for planning and sharing routes. Both developed using open-source code. The development effort is coordinated in a dedicated [https://github.com/IsraelHikingMap GitHub page].

=== Benefit for hikers ===
Previously, hikers relied on prohibitively-priced government-issued printed maps of hiking paths in Israel. This limited the access of economically disadvantaged populations to nature trails. Now everybody can use the free maps on smartphones or print them out.

=== Benefit for bikers ===
Our map marks bike paths in cities and safer streets for cycling. Allowing cyclists to
plan safer commuting routes within dense cities in Israel. Grading of mountain bike trails is also shown.
=== Volunteers ===
So far the planning and coding of the maps and user interface relied on a core of three
volunteers who communicate and meet regularly, helped by several occasional contributors. All
development has been pro-bono.
=== Mapping community ===
The project has attracted a devout community of mappers to contribute to open
GIS data. Our supporters exchange ideas, tips and suggestions in a [https://www.facebook.com/groups/994960670559126/ Facebook group] (Hebrew) with over 3000 members. A face-to-face training meeting and a mapping party has been organized and well-attended in 2017 and 2018.

=== Impuct===
Our site now attracts around 40,000 views per month. Many more use our open maps within various navigation apps or presented in collaborating websites. This open alternative now pushes government agencies to rethink their closed-garden approach to geo-data.

=== Longer term aims ===
We would like the site to go international. The benefits the site provides are by no means regionally-restricted.
The programming effort needed to a adapt the infrastructure will be volunteered.
However, we would need funds to purchase server space on a globally dispersed service.

=== Sample map sections===
[[File:IHBM-Biking.png|300px|thumbnail|left|Biking lanes (green) and safe streets (lighyt blue) in Tel Aviv]]
[[File:IHBM-Hiking.jpg|300px|thumbnail|left|Blazed hiking trails near Jerusalem]]

Israel Hiking and Biking Maps

2018-07-21T09:25:45Z

Wiki-Guy Shakhar: /* Sample map sections */

'''<big>Under construction!</big>'''
=== Initial Aims ===
The project was initiated in 2014 to provide hikers and bikers with access to open maps of Israel. It also aimed at involving more volunteers in the local Open GIS community.

=== Implementation ===
A [https://israelhiking.osm.org.il website] providing two maps based on open data (OSM + SRTM elevation data) and
an interface for planning and sharing routes. Both developed using open-source code. The development effort is coordinated in a dedicated [https://github.com/IsraelHikingMap GitHub page].

=== Benefit for hikers ===
Previously, hikers relied on prohibitively-priced printed maps of hiking paths in Israel,
which were only available in Hebrew. This limited the access of economically disadvantaged and nonHebrew
speaking populations to nature trails. Now everybody can use the free maps on smartphones or
print them out.
=== Benefit for bikers ===
Our map marks bike paths in cities and safer streets for cycling. Allowing cyclists to
plan safer commuting routes within dense cities in Israel. Grading of mountain bike trails is also shown.
=== Volunteers ===
So far the planning and coding of the maps and user interface relied on a core of three
volunteers who communicate and meet regularly, helped by several occasional contributors. All
development has been pro-bono.
=== Mapping community ===
The project has attracted a devout community of mappers to contribute to open
GIS data. Our supporters exchange ideas, tips and suggestions in a [https://www.facebook.com/groups/994960670559126/ Facebook group] (Hebrew) with over 3000 members. A face-to-face training meeting and a mapping party has been organized and well-attended in 2017 and 2018.

=== Impuct===
Our site now attracts around 40,000 views per month. Many more use our open maps within various navigation apps or presented in collaborating websites. This open alternative now pushes government agencies to rethink their closed-garden approach to geo-data.

=== Longer term aims ===
We would like the site to go international. The benefits the site provides are by no means regionally-restricted.
The programming effort needed to a adapt the infrastructure will be volunteered.
However, we would need funds to purchase server space on a globally dispersed service.

=== Sample map sections===
[[File:IHBM-Biking.png|300px|thumbnail|left|Biking lanes (green) and safe streets (lighyt blue) in Tel Aviv]]
[[File:IHBM-Hiking.jpg|300px|thumbnail|left|Blazed hiking trails near Jerusalem]]

Israel Hiking and Biking Maps

2018-07-21T09:24:39Z

Wiki-Guy Shakhar: /* Sample map sections */

'''<big>Under construction!</big>'''
=== Initial Aims ===
The project was initiated in 2014 to provide hikers and bikers with access to open maps of Israel. It also aimed at involving more volunteers in the local Open GIS community.

=== Implementation ===
A [https://israelhiking.osm.org.il website] providing two maps based on open data (OSM + SRTM elevation data) and
an interface for planning and sharing routes. Both developed using open-source code. The development effort is coordinated in a dedicated [https://github.com/IsraelHikingMap GitHub page].

=== Benefit for hikers ===
Previously, hikers relied on prohibitively-priced printed maps of hiking paths in Israel,
which were only available in Hebrew. This limited the access of economically disadvantaged and nonHebrew
speaking populations to nature trails. Now everybody can use the free maps on smartphones or
print them out.
=== Benefit for bikers ===
Our map marks bike paths in cities and safer streets for cycling. Allowing cyclists to
plan safer commuting routes within dense cities in Israel. Grading of mountain bike trails is also shown.
=== Volunteers ===
So far the planning and coding of the maps and user interface relied on a core of three
volunteers who communicate and meet regularly, helped by several occasional contributors. All
development has been pro-bono.
=== Mapping community ===
The project has attracted a devout community of mappers to contribute to open
GIS data. Our supporters exchange ideas, tips and suggestions in a [https://www.facebook.com/groups/994960670559126/ Facebook group] (Hebrew) with over 3000 members. A face-to-face training meeting and a mapping party has been organized and well-attended in 2017 and 2018.

=== Impuct===
Our site now attracts around 40,000 views per month. Many more use our open maps within various navigation apps or presented in collaborating websites. This open alternative now pushes government agencies to rethink their closed-garden approach to geo-data.

=== Longer term aims ===
We would like the site to go international. The benefits the site provides are by no means regionally-restricted.
The programming effort needed to a adapt the infrastructure will be volunteered.
However, we would need funds to purchase server space on a globally dispersed service.

=== Sample map sections===
The hiking maps (left) and urban cycling map (right) in their English versions.
[[File:IHBM-Biking.png|300px|thumbnail|left|Biking in Tel Aviv]]
[[File:IHBM-Hiking.jpg|300px|thumbnail|left|Hiking trails near Jerusalem]]

Israel Hiking and Biking Maps

2018-07-21T09:21:49Z

Wiki-Guy Shakhar: /* Sample map sections */

'''<big>Under construction!</big>'''
=== Initial Aims ===
The project was initiated in 2014 to provide hikers and bikers with access to open maps of Israel. It also aimed at involving more volunteers in the local Open GIS community.

=== Implementation ===
A [https://israelhiking.osm.org.il website] providing two maps based on open data (OSM + SRTM elevation data) and
an interface for planning and sharing routes. Both developed using open-source code. The development effort is coordinated in a dedicated [https://github.com/IsraelHikingMap GitHub page].

=== Benefit for hikers ===
Previously, hikers relied on prohibitively-priced printed maps of hiking paths in Israel,
which were only available in Hebrew. This limited the access of economically disadvantaged and nonHebrew
speaking populations to nature trails. Now everybody can use the free maps on smartphones or
print them out.
=== Benefit for bikers ===
Our map marks bike paths in cities and safer streets for cycling. Allowing cyclists to
plan safer commuting routes within dense cities in Israel. Grading of mountain bike trails is also shown.
=== Volunteers ===
So far the planning and coding of the maps and user interface relied on a core of three
volunteers who communicate and meet regularly, helped by several occasional contributors. All
development has been pro-bono.
=== Mapping community ===
The project has attracted a devout community of mappers to contribute to open
GIS data. Our supporters exchange ideas, tips and suggestions in a [https://www.facebook.com/groups/994960670559126/ Facebook group] (Hebrew) with over 3000 members. A face-to-face training meeting and a mapping party has been organized and well-attended in 2017 and 2018.

=== Impuct===
Our site now attracts around 40,000 views per month. Many more use our open maps within various navigation apps or presented in collaborating websites. This open alternative now pushes government agencies to rethink their closed-garden approach to geo-data.

=== Longer term aims ===
We would like the site to go international. The benefits the site provides are by no means regionally-restricted.
The programming effort needed to a adapt the infrastructure will be volunteered.
However, we would need funds to purchase server space on a globally dispersed service.

=== Sample map sections===
The hiking maps (left) and urban cycling map (right) in their English versions.
[[File:IHBM-Biking.png|thumbnail|Biking in Tel Aviv]]
[[File:IHBM-Hiking.jpg|thumbnail|left|Hiking trails near Jerusalem]]

File:IHBM-Hiking.jpg

2018-07-21T09:20:35Z

Wiki-Guy Shakhar: Hiking sections near Jerusalem, Israel Hiking and Biking maps

Hiking sections near Jerusalem, Israel Hiking and Biking maps

Israel Hiking and Biking Maps

2018-07-21T09:19:12Z

Wiki-Guy Shakhar: /* Sample map sections */

'''<big>Under construction!</big>'''
=== Initial Aims ===
The project was initiated in 2014 to provide hikers and bikers with access to open maps of Israel. It also aimed at involving more volunteers in the local Open GIS community.

=== Implementation ===
A [https://israelhiking.osm.org.il website] providing two maps based on open data (OSM + SRTM elevation data) and
an interface for planning and sharing routes. Both developed using open-source code. The development effort is coordinated in a dedicated [https://github.com/IsraelHikingMap GitHub page].

=== Benefit for hikers ===
Previously, hikers relied on prohibitively-priced printed maps of hiking paths in Israel,
which were only available in Hebrew. This limited the access of economically disadvantaged and nonHebrew
speaking populations to nature trails. Now everybody can use the free maps on smartphones or
print them out.
=== Benefit for bikers ===
Our map marks bike paths in cities and safer streets for cycling. Allowing cyclists to
plan safer commuting routes within dense cities in Israel. Grading of mountain bike trails is also shown.
=== Volunteers ===
So far the planning and coding of the maps and user interface relied on a core of three
volunteers who communicate and meet regularly, helped by several occasional contributors. All
development has been pro-bono.
=== Mapping community ===
The project has attracted a devout community of mappers to contribute to open
GIS data. Our supporters exchange ideas, tips and suggestions in a [https://www.facebook.com/groups/994960670559126/ Facebook group] (Hebrew) with over 3000 members. A face-to-face training meeting and a mapping party has been organized and well-attended in 2017 and 2018.

=== Impuct===
Our site now attracts around 40,000 views per month. Many more use our open maps within various navigation apps or presented in collaborating websites. This open alternative now pushes government agencies to rethink their closed-garden approach to geo-data.

=== Longer term aims ===
We would like the site to go international. The benefits the site provides are by no means regionally-restricted.
The programming effort needed to a adapt the infrastructure will be volunteered.
However, we would need funds to purchase server space on a globally dispersed service.

=== Sample map sections===
The hiking maps (left) and urban cycling map (right) in their English versions.
[[File:IHBM-Biking.png|thumbnail|Biking in Tel Aviv]]

File:IHBM-Biking.png

2018-07-21T09:18:13Z

Wiki-Guy Shakhar: A map section showing urban biking in Tel Aviv from Israel Hiking And Biking

A map section showing urban biking in Tel Aviv from Israel Hiking And Biking

Israel Hiking and Biking Maps

2018-07-21T09:16:09Z

Wiki-Guy Shakhar: /* Sample Map Sections */

'''<big>Under construction!</big>'''
=== Initial Aims ===
The project was initiated in 2014 to provide hikers and bikers with access to open maps of Israel. It also aimed at involving more volunteers in the local Open GIS community.

=== Implementation ===
A [https://israelhiking.osm.org.il website] providing two maps based on open data (OSM + SRTM elevation data) and
an interface for planning and sharing routes. Both developed using open-source code. The development effort is coordinated in a dedicated [https://github.com/IsraelHikingMap GitHub page].

=== Benefit for hikers ===
Previously, hikers relied on prohibitively-priced printed maps of hiking paths in Israel,
which were only available in Hebrew. This limited the access of economically disadvantaged and nonHebrew
speaking populations to nature trails. Now everybody can use the free maps on smartphones or
print them out.
=== Benefit for bikers ===
Our map marks bike paths in cities and safer streets for cycling. Allowing cyclists to
plan safer commuting routes within dense cities in Israel. Grading of mountain bike trails is also shown.
=== Volunteers ===
So far the planning and coding of the maps and user interface relied on a core of three
volunteers who communicate and meet regularly, helped by several occasional contributors. All
development has been pro-bono.
=== Mapping community ===
The project has attracted a devout community of mappers to contribute to open
GIS data. Our supporters exchange ideas, tips and suggestions in a [https://www.facebook.com/groups/994960670559126/ Facebook group] (Hebrew) with over 3000 members. A face-to-face training meeting and a mapping party has been organized and well-attended in 2017 and 2018.

=== Impuct===
Our site now attracts around 40,000 views per month. Many more use our open maps within various navigation apps or presented in collaborating websites. This open alternative now pushes government agencies to rethink their closed-garden approach to geo-data.

=== Longer term aims ===
We would like the site to go international. The benefits the site provides are by no means regionally-restricted.
The programming effort needed to a adapt the infrastructure will be volunteered.
However, we would need funds to purchase server space on a globally dispersed service.

=== Sample map sections===
The hiking maps (left) and urban cycling map (right) in their English versions.

Israel Hiking and Biking Maps

2018-07-21T09:05:19Z

Wiki-Guy Shakhar: /* Sample Images */

'''<big>Under construction!</big>'''
=== Initial Aims ===
The project was initiated in 2014 to provide hikers and bikers with access to open maps of Israel. It also aimed at involving more volunteers in the local Open GIS community.

=== Implementation ===
A [https://israelhiking.osm.org.il website] providing two maps based on open data (OSM + SRTM elevation data) and
an interface for planning and sharing routes. Both developed using open-source code. The development effort is coordinated in a dedicated [https://github.com/IsraelHikingMap GitHub page].

=== Benefit for hikers ===
Previously, hikers relied on prohibitively-priced printed maps of hiking paths in Israel,
which were only available in Hebrew. This limited the access of economically disadvantaged and nonHebrew
speaking populations to nature trails. Now everybody can use the free maps on smartphones or
print them out.
=== Benefit for bikers ===
Our map marks bike paths in cities and safer streets for cycling. Allowing cyclists to
plan safer commuting routes within dense cities in Israel. Grading of mountain bike trails is also shown.
=== Volunteers ===
So far the planning and coding of the maps and user interface relied on a core of three
volunteers who communicate and meet regularly, helped by several occasional contributors. All
development has been pro-bono.
=== Mapping community ===
The project has attracted a devout community of mappers to contribute to open
GIS data. Our supporters exchange ideas, tips and suggestions in a [https://www.facebook.com/groups/994960670559126/ Facebook group] (Hebrew) with over 3000 members. A face-to-face training meeting and a mapping party has been organized and well-attended in 2017 and 2018.

=== Impuct===
Our site now attracts around 40,000 views per month. Many more use our open maps within various navigation apps or presented in collaborating websites. This open alternative now pushes government agencies to rethink their closed-garden approach to geo-data.

=== Longer term aims ===
We would like the site to go international. The benefits the site provides are by no means regionally-restricted.
The programming effort needed to a adapt the infrastructure will be volunteered.
However, we would need funds to purchase server space on a globally dispersed service.

=== Sample Map Sections===
The hiking maps (left) and urban cycling map (right) in their English versions.

Israel Hiking and Biking Maps

2018-07-21T09:04:52Z

Wiki-Guy Shakhar: /* Mapping community */

'''<big>Under construction!</big>'''
=== Initial Aims ===
The project was initiated in 2014 to provide hikers and bikers with access to open maps of Israel. It also aimed at involving more volunteers in the local Open GIS community.

=== Implementation ===
A [https://israelhiking.osm.org.il website] providing two maps based on open data (OSM + SRTM elevation data) and
an interface for planning and sharing routes. Both developed using open-source code. The development effort is coordinated in a dedicated [https://github.com/IsraelHikingMap GitHub page].

=== Benefit for hikers ===
Previously, hikers relied on prohibitively-priced printed maps of hiking paths in Israel,
which were only available in Hebrew. This limited the access of economically disadvantaged and nonHebrew
speaking populations to nature trails. Now everybody can use the free maps on smartphones or
print them out.
=== Benefit for bikers ===
Our map marks bike paths in cities and safer streets for cycling. Allowing cyclists to
plan safer commuting routes within dense cities in Israel. Grading of mountain bike trails is also shown.
=== Volunteers ===
So far the planning and coding of the maps and user interface relied on a core of three
volunteers who communicate and meet regularly, helped by several occasional contributors. All
development has been pro-bono.
=== Mapping community ===
The project has attracted a devout community of mappers to contribute to open
GIS data. Our supporters exchange ideas, tips and suggestions in a [https://www.facebook.com/groups/994960670559126/ Facebook group] (Hebrew) with over 3000 members. A face-to-face training meeting and a mapping party has been organized and well-attended in 2017 and 2018.

=== Impuct===
Our site now attracts around 40,000 views per month. Many more use our open maps within various navigation apps or presented in collaborating websites. This open alternative now pushes government agencies to rethink their closed-garden approach to geo-data.

=== Longer term aims ===
We would like the site to go international. The benefits the site provides are by no means regionally-restricted.
The programming effort needed to a adapt the infrastructure will be volunteered.
However, we would need funds to purchase server space on a globally dispersed service.

=== Sample Images ===
The hiking maps (left) and urban cycling map (right) in their English versions.

Israel Hiking and Biking Maps

2018-07-21T09:04:27Z

Wiki-Guy Shakhar: /* Mapping community */

'''<big>Under construction!</big>'''
=== Initial Aims ===
The project was initiated in 2014 to provide hikers and bikers with access to open maps of Israel. It also aimed at involving more volunteers in the local Open GIS community.

=== Implementation ===
A [https://israelhiking.osm.org.il website] providing two maps based on open data (OSM + SRTM elevation data) and
an interface for planning and sharing routes. Both developed using open-source code. The development effort is coordinated in a dedicated [https://github.com/IsraelHikingMap GitHub page].

=== Benefit for hikers ===
Previously, hikers relied on prohibitively-priced printed maps of hiking paths in Israel,
which were only available in Hebrew. This limited the access of economically disadvantaged and nonHebrew
speaking populations to nature trails. Now everybody can use the free maps on smartphones or
print them out.
=== Benefit for bikers ===
Our map marks bike paths in cities and safer streets for cycling. Allowing cyclists to
plan safer commuting routes within dense cities in Israel. Grading of mountain bike trails is also shown.
=== Volunteers ===
So far the planning and coding of the maps and user interface relied on a core of three
volunteers who communicate and meet regularly, helped by several occasional contributors. All
development has been pro-bono.
=== Mapping community ===
The project has attracted a devout community of mappers to contribute to open
GIS data. Our supporters exchange ideas, tips and suggestions in a [https://www.facebook.com/groups/994960670559126/ Facebook group] (Mostly in Hebrew) with over 3000 members. A face-to-face training meeting and a mapping party has been organized and well-attended in 2017 and 2018.

=== Impuct===
Our site now attracts around 40,000 views per month. Many more use our open maps within various navigation apps or presented in collaborating websites. This open alternative now pushes government agencies to rethink their closed-garden approach to geo-data.

=== Longer term aims ===
We would like the site to go international. The benefits the site provides are by no means regionally-restricted.
The programming effort needed to a adapt the infrastructure will be volunteered.
However, we would need funds to purchase server space on a globally dispersed service.

=== Sample Images ===
The hiking maps (left) and urban cycling map (right) in their English versions.

Israel Hiking and Biking Maps

2018-07-21T08:58:40Z

Wiki-Guy Shakhar: /* Success */

'''<big>Under construction!</big>'''
=== Initial Aims ===
The project was initiated in 2014 to provide hikers and bikers with access to open maps of Israel. It also aimed at involving more volunteers in the local Open GIS community.

=== Implementation ===
A [https://israelhiking.osm.org.il website] providing two maps based on open data (OSM + SRTM elevation data) and
an interface for planning and sharing routes. Both developed using open-source code. The development effort is coordinated in a dedicated [https://github.com/IsraelHikingMap GitHub page].

=== Benefit for hikers ===
Previously, hikers relied on prohibitively-priced printed maps of hiking paths in Israel,
which were only available in Hebrew. This limited the access of economically disadvantaged and nonHebrew
speaking populations to nature trails. Now everybody can use the free maps on smartphones or
print them out.
=== Benefit for bikers ===
Our map marks bike paths in cities and safer streets for cycling. Allowing cyclists to
plan safer commuting routes within dense cities in Israel. Grading of mountain bike trails is also shown.
=== Volunteers ===
So far the planning and coding of the maps and user interface relied on a core of three
volunteers who communicate and meet regularly, helped by several occasional contributors. All
development has been pro-bono.
=== Mapping community ===
The project has attracted a devout community of mappers to contribute to open
GIS data. Our supporters exchange ideas, tips and suggestions in a Facebook group with over 3000
members. An educational meeting has been well-attended and a mapping party is soon to take place.
=== Impuct===
Our site now attracts around 40,000 views per month. Many more use our open maps within various navigation apps or presented in collaborating websites. This open alternative now pushes government agencies to rethink their closed-garden approach to geo-data.

=== Longer term aims ===
We would like the site to go international. The benefits the site provides are by no means regionally-restricted.
The programming effort needed to a adapt the infrastructure will be volunteered.
However, we would need funds to purchase server space on a globally dispersed service.

=== Sample Images ===
The hiking maps (left) and urban cycling map (right) in their English versions.

Israel Hiking and Biking Maps

2018-07-21T08:57:24Z

Wiki-Guy Shakhar:

'''<big>Under construction!</big>'''
=== Initial Aims ===
The project was initiated in 2014 to provide hikers and bikers with access to open maps of Israel. It also aimed at involving more volunteers in the local Open GIS community.

=== Implementation ===
A [https://israelhiking.osm.org.il website] providing two maps based on open data (OSM + SRTM elevation data) and
an interface for planning and sharing routes. Both developed using open-source code. The development effort is coordinated in a dedicated [https://github.com/IsraelHikingMap GitHub page].

=== Benefit for hikers ===
Previously, hikers relied on prohibitively-priced printed maps of hiking paths in Israel,
which were only available in Hebrew. This limited the access of economically disadvantaged and nonHebrew
speaking populations to nature trails. Now everybody can use the free maps on smartphones or
print them out.
=== Benefit for bikers ===
Our map marks bike paths in cities and safer streets for cycling. Allowing cyclists to
plan safer commuting routes within dense cities in Israel. Grading of mountain bike trails is also shown.
=== Volunteers ===
So far the planning and coding of the maps and user interface relied on a core of three
volunteers who communicate and meet regularly, helped by several occasional contributors. All
development has been pro-bono.
=== Mapping community ===
The project has attracted a devout community of mappers to contribute to open
GIS data. Our supporters exchange ideas, tips and suggestions in a Facebook group with over 3000
members. An educational meeting has been well-attended and a mapping party is soon to take place.
=== Success ===
Our site now attracts around 40,000 views per month. Many more use our open maps within
various navigation apps or presented in collaborating websites. This open alternative now pushes
government agencies to rethink their closed-garden approach to geo-data.
=== Longer term aims ===
We would like the site to go international. The benefits the site provides are by no means regionally-restricted.
The programming effort needed to a adapt the infrastructure will be volunteered.
However, we would need funds to purchase server space on a globally dispersed service.

=== Sample Images ===
The hiking maps (left) and urban cycling map (right) in their English versions.

Israel Hiking and Biking Maps

2018-07-21T08:53:47Z

Wiki-Guy Shakhar: /* Implementation */

<big><big>Under construction !</big></big>
=== Initial Aims ===
The project was initiated in 2014 to provide hikers and bikers with access to open maps of Israel. It also aimed at involving more volunteers in the local Open GIS community.

=== Implementation ===
A [https://israelhiking.osm.org.il website] providing two maps based on open data (OSM + SRTM elevation data) and
an interface for planning and sharing routes. Both developed using open-source code. The development effort is coordinated in a dedicated [https://github.com/IsraelHikingMap GitHub page].

=== Benefit for hikers ===
Previously, hikers relied on prohibitively-priced printed maps of hiking paths in Israel,
which were only available in Hebrew. This limited the access of economically disadvantaged and nonHebrew
speaking populations to nature trails. Now everybody can use the free maps on smartphones or
print them out.
=== Benefit for bikers ===
Our map marks bike paths in cities and safer streets for cycling. Allowing cyclists to
plan safer commuting routes within dense cities in Israel. Grading of mountain bike trails is also shown.
=== Volunteers ===
So far the planning and coding of the maps and user interface relied on a core of three
volunteers who communicate and meet regularly, helped by several occasional contributors. All
development has been pro-bono.
=== Mapping community ===
The project has attracted a devout community of mappers to contribute to open
GIS data. Our supporters exchange ideas, tips and suggestions in a Facebook group with over 3000
members. An educational meeting has been well-attended and a mapping party is soon to take place.
=== Success ===
Our site now attracts around 40,000 views per month. Many more use our open maps within
various navigation apps or presented in collaborating websites. This open alternative now pushes
government agencies to rethink their closed-garden approach to geo-data.
=== Longer term aims ===
We would like the site to go international. The benefits the site provides are by no means regionally-restricted.
The programming effort needed to a adapt the infrastructure will be volunteered.
However, we would need funds to purchase server space on a globally dispersed service.
The hiking maps (left) and urban cycling map (right) in their English versions.

Israel Hiking and Biking Maps

2018-07-21T08:51:40Z

Wiki-Guy Shakhar:

<big><big>Under construction !</big></big>
=== Initial Aims ===
The project was initiated in 2014 to provide hikers and bikers with access to open maps of Israel. It also aimed at involving more volunteers in the local Open GIS community.

=== Implementation ===
A [https://israelhiking.osm.org.il website] providing two maps based on open data (OSM + SRTM elevation data) and
an interface for planning and sharing routes. Both developed using open-source code.

=== Benefit for hikers ===
Previously, hikers relied on prohibitively-priced printed maps of hiking paths in Israel,
which were only available in Hebrew. This limited the access of economically disadvantaged and nonHebrew
speaking populations to nature trails. Now everybody can use the free maps on smartphones or
print them out.
=== Benefit for bikers ===
Our map marks bike paths in cities and safer streets for cycling. Allowing cyclists to
plan safer commuting routes within dense cities in Israel. Grading of mountain bike trails is also shown.
=== Volunteers ===
So far the planning and coding of the maps and user interface relied on a core of three
volunteers who communicate and meet regularly, helped by several occasional contributors. All
development has been pro-bono.
=== Mapping community ===
The project has attracted a devout community of mappers to contribute to open
GIS data. Our supporters exchange ideas, tips and suggestions in a Facebook group with over 3000
members. An educational meeting has been well-attended and a mapping party is soon to take place.
=== Success ===
Our site now attracts around 40,000 views per month. Many more use our open maps within
various navigation apps or presented in collaborating websites. This open alternative now pushes
government agencies to rethink their closed-garden approach to geo-data.
=== Longer term aims ===
We would like the site to go international. The benefits the site provides are by no means regionally-restricted.
The programming effort needed to a adapt the infrastructure will be volunteered.
However, we would need funds to purchase server space on a globally dispersed service.
The hiking maps (left) and urban cycling map (right) in their English versions.

Israel Hiking and Biking Maps

2018-07-21T08:50:22Z

Wiki-Guy Shakhar: /* Implementation: */

<big><big>Under construction !</big></big>
=== Initial Aims: ===
The project was initiated in 2014 to provide hikers and bikers with access to open maps of Israel. It also aimed at involving more volunteers in the local Open GIS community.

=== Implementation: ===
A [https://israelhiking.osm.org.il website] providing two maps based on open data (OSM + SRTM elevation data) and
an interface for planning and sharing routes. Both developed using open-source code.

=== Benefit for hikers: ===
Previously, hikers relied on prohibitively-priced printed maps of hiking paths in Israel,
which were only available in Hebrew. This limited the access of economically disadvantaged and nonHebrew
speaking populations to nature trails. Now everybody can use the free maps on smartphones or
print them out.
=== Benefit for bikers: ===
Our map marks bike paths in cities and safer streets for cycling. Allowing cyclists to
plan safer commuting routes within dense cities in Israel. Grading of mountain bike trails is also shown.
=== Volunteers: ===
So far the planning and coding of the maps and user interface relied on a core of three
volunteers who communicate and meet regularly, helped by several occasional contributors. All
development has been pro-bono.
=== Mapping community: ===
The project has attracted a devout community of mappers to contribute to open
GIS data. Our supporters exchange ideas, tips and suggestions in a Facebook group with over 3000
members. An educational meeting has been well-attended and a mapping party is soon to take place.
=== Success: ===
Our site now attracts around 40,000 views per month. Many more use our open maps within
various navigation apps or presented in collaborating websites. This open alternative now pushes
government agencies to rethink their closed-garden approach to geo-data.
=== Longer term aims: ===
We would like the site to go international. The benefits the site provides are by no means regionally-restricted.
The programming effort needed to a adapt the infrastructure will be volunteered.
However, we would need funds to purchase server space on a globally dispersed service.
The hiking maps (left) and urban cycling map (right) in their English versions.

Israel Hiking and Biking Maps

2018-07-21T08:41:25Z

Wiki-Guy Shakhar: /* Implementation: */

<big><big>Under construction !</big></big>
=== Initial Aims: ===
The project was initiated in 2014 to provide hikers and bikers with access to open maps of Israel. It also aimed at involving more volunteers in the local Open GIS community.

=== Implementation: ===
A website providing two maps based on open data (OSM + SRTM elevation data) and
an interface for planning and sharing routes. Both developed using open-source code.

=== Benefit for hikers: ===
Previously, hikers relied on prohibitively-priced printed maps of hiking paths in Israel,
which were only available in Hebrew. This limited the access of economically disadvantaged and nonHebrew
speaking populations to nature trails. Now everybody can use the free maps on smartphones or
print them out.
=== Benefit for bikers: ===
Our map marks bike paths in cities and safer streets for cycling. Allowing cyclists to
plan safer commuting routes within dense cities in Israel. Grading of mountain bike trails is also shown.
=== Volunteers: ===
So far the planning and coding of the maps and user interface relied on a core of three
volunteers who communicate and meet regularly, helped by several occasional contributors. All
development has been pro-bono.
=== Mapping community: ===
The project has attracted a devout community of mappers to contribute to open
GIS data. Our supporters exchange ideas, tips and suggestions in a Facebook group with over 3000
members. An educational meeting has been well-attended and a mapping party is soon to take place.
=== Success: ===
Our site now attracts around 40,000 views per month. Many more use our open maps within
various navigation apps or presented in collaborating websites. This open alternative now pushes
government agencies to rethink their closed-garden approach to geo-data.
=== Longer term aims: ===
We would like the site to go international. The benefits the site provides are by no means regionally-restricted.
The programming effort needed to a adapt the infrastructure will be volunteered.
However, we would need funds to purchase server space on a globally dispersed service.
The hiking maps (left) and urban cycling map (right) in their English versions.

Israel Hiking and Biking Maps

2018-07-21T08:39:05Z

Wiki-Guy Shakhar: /* Initial Aims: */

<big><big>Under construction !</big></big>
=== Initial Aims: ===
The project was initiated in 2014 to provide hikers and bikers with access to open maps of Israel. It also aimed at involving more volunteers in the local Open GIS community.

=== Implementation: ===
A website providing two maps based on open data (OSM + SRTM elevation data) and
an interface for planning and sharing routes. Both developed using open-source code.
=== Benefit for hikers: ===
Previously, hikers relied on prohibitively-priced printed maps of hiking paths in Israel,
which were only available in Hebrew. This limited the access of economically disadvantaged and nonHebrew
speaking populations to nature trails. Now everybody can use the free maps on smartphones or
print them out.
=== Benefit for bikers: ===
Our map marks bike paths in cities and safer streets for cycling. Allowing cyclists to
plan safer commuting routes within dense cities in Israel. Grading of mountain bike trails is also shown.
=== Volunteers: ===
So far the planning and coding of the maps and user interface relied on a core of three
volunteers who communicate and meet regularly, helped by several occasional contributors. All
development has been pro-bono.
=== Mapping community: ===
The project has attracted a devout community of mappers to contribute to open
GIS data. Our supporters exchange ideas, tips and suggestions in a Facebook group with over 3000
members. An educational meeting has been well-attended and a mapping party is soon to take place.
=== Success: ===
Our site now attracts around 40,000 views per month. Many more use our open maps within
various navigation apps or presented in collaborating websites. This open alternative now pushes
government agencies to rethink their closed-garden approach to geo-data.
=== Longer term aims: ===
We would like the site to go international. The benefits the site provides are by no means regionally-restricted.
The programming effort needed to a adapt the infrastructure will be volunteered.
However, we would need funds to purchase server space on a globally dispersed service.
The hiking maps (left) and urban cycling map (right) in their English versions.

Israel Hiking and Biking Maps

2018-07-21T08:33:15Z

Wiki-Guy Shakhar: /* Aims: */

<big><big>Under construction !</big></big>
=== Initial Aims: ===
Providing hikers and bikers with access to open maps of Israel, and involving more volunteers in
the local Open GIS community.

=== Implementation: ===
A website providing two maps based on open data (OSM + SRTM elevation data) and
an interface for planning and sharing routes. Both developed using open-source code.
=== Benefit for hikers: ===
Previously, hikers relied on prohibitively-priced printed maps of hiking paths in Israel,
which were only available in Hebrew. This limited the access of economically disadvantaged and nonHebrew
speaking populations to nature trails. Now everybody can use the free maps on smartphones or
print them out.
=== Benefit for bikers: ===
Our map marks bike paths in cities and safer streets for cycling. Allowing cyclists to
plan safer commuting routes within dense cities in Israel. Grading of mountain bike trails is also shown.
=== Volunteers: ===
So far the planning and coding of the maps and user interface relied on a core of three
volunteers who communicate and meet regularly, helped by several occasional contributors. All
development has been pro-bono.
=== Mapping community: ===
The project has attracted a devout community of mappers to contribute to open
GIS data. Our supporters exchange ideas, tips and suggestions in a Facebook group with over 3000
members. An educational meeting has been well-attended and a mapping party is soon to take place.
=== Success: ===
Our site now attracts around 40,000 views per month. Many more use our open maps within
various navigation apps or presented in collaborating websites. This open alternative now pushes
government agencies to rethink their closed-garden approach to geo-data.
=== Longer term aims: ===
We would like the site to go international. The benefits the site provides are by no means regionally-restricted.
The programming effort needed to a adapt the infrastructure will be volunteered.
However, we would need funds to purchase server space on a globally dispersed service.
The hiking maps (left) and urban cycling map (right) in their English versions.

Israel Hiking and Biking Maps

2018-07-21T08:32:51Z

Wiki-Guy Shakhar: /* Needs: */

<big><big>Under construction !</big></big>
=== Aims: ===
Providing hikers and bikers with access to open maps of Israel, and involving more volunteers in
the local Open GIS community.

=== Implementation: ===
A website providing two maps based on open data (OSM + SRTM elevation data) and
an interface for planning and sharing routes. Both developed using open-source code.
=== Benefit for hikers: ===
Previously, hikers relied on prohibitively-priced printed maps of hiking paths in Israel,
which were only available in Hebrew. This limited the access of economically disadvantaged and nonHebrew
speaking populations to nature trails. Now everybody can use the free maps on smartphones or
print them out.
=== Benefit for bikers: ===
Our map marks bike paths in cities and safer streets for cycling. Allowing cyclists to
plan safer commuting routes within dense cities in Israel. Grading of mountain bike trails is also shown.
=== Volunteers: ===
So far the planning and coding of the maps and user interface relied on a core of three
volunteers who communicate and meet regularly, helped by several occasional contributors. All
development has been pro-bono.
=== Mapping community: ===
The project has attracted a devout community of mappers to contribute to open
GIS data. Our supporters exchange ideas, tips and suggestions in a Facebook group with over 3000
members. An educational meeting has been well-attended and a mapping party is soon to take place.
=== Success: ===
Our site now attracts around 40,000 views per month. Many more use our open maps within
various navigation apps or presented in collaborating websites. This open alternative now pushes
government agencies to rethink their closed-garden approach to geo-data.
=== Longer term aims: ===
We would like the site to go international. The benefits the site provides are by no means regionally-restricted.
The programming effort needed to a adapt the infrastructure will be volunteered.
However, we would need funds to purchase server space on a globally dispersed service.
The hiking maps (left) and urban cycling map (right) in their English versions.

Israel Hiking and Biking Maps

2018-07-21T07:56:00Z

Wiki-Guy Shakhar: /* Aims: */

<big><big>Under construction !</big></big>
=== Aims: ===
Providing hikers and bikers with access to open maps of Israel, and involving more volunteers in
the local Open GIS community.

=== Implementation: ===
A website providing two maps based on open data (OSM + SRTM elevation data) and
an interface for planning and sharing routes. Both developed using open-source code.
=== Benefit for hikers: ===
Previously, hikers relied on prohibitively-priced printed maps of hiking paths in Israel,
which were only available in Hebrew. This limited the access of economically disadvantaged and nonHebrew
speaking populations to nature trails. Now everybody can use the free maps on smartphones or
print them out.
=== Benefit for bikers: ===
Our map marks bike paths in cities and safer streets for cycling. Allowing cyclists to
plan safer commuting routes within dense cities in Israel. Grading of mountain bike trails is also shown.
=== Volunteers: ===
So far the planning and coding of the maps and user interface relied on a core of three
volunteers who communicate and meet regularly, helped by several occasional contributors. All
development has been pro-bono.
=== Mapping community: ===
The project has attracted a devout community of mappers to contribute to open
GIS data. Our supporters exchange ideas, tips and suggestions in a Facebook group with over 3000
members. An educational meeting has been well-attended and a mapping party is soon to take place.
=== Success: ===
Our site now attracts around 40,000 views per month. Many more use our open maps within
various navigation apps or presented in collaborating websites. This open alternative now pushes
government agencies to rethink their closed-garden approach to geo-data.
=== Needs: ===
We are seeking funds to recruit UI experts, map designers and mobile developers. Their work
would improve the usability of our route-planning interface and the legibility of our maps and help us
build a complementary application to benefit outdoor use.

The hiking maps (left) and urban cycling map (right) in their English versions.

Israel Hiking and Biking Maps

2018-07-21T07:55:37Z

Wiki-Guy Shakhar:

<big><big>Under construction !</big></big>
=== Aims: ===
Providing hikers and bikers with access to open maps of Israel, and involving more volunteers in
the local Open GIS community.
=== Implementation: ===
A website providing two maps based on open data (OSM + SRTM elevation data) and
an interface for planning and sharing routes. Both developed using open-source code.
=== Benefit for hikers: ===
Previously, hikers relied on prohibitively-priced printed maps of hiking paths in Israel,
which were only available in Hebrew. This limited the access of economically disadvantaged and nonHebrew
speaking populations to nature trails. Now everybody can use the free maps on smartphones or
print them out.
=== Benefit for bikers: ===
Our map marks bike paths in cities and safer streets for cycling. Allowing cyclists to
plan safer commuting routes within dense cities in Israel. Grading of mountain bike trails is also shown.
=== Volunteers: ===
So far the planning and coding of the maps and user interface relied on a core of three
volunteers who communicate and meet regularly, helped by several occasional contributors. All
development has been pro-bono.
=== Mapping community: ===
The project has attracted a devout community of mappers to contribute to open
GIS data. Our supporters exchange ideas, tips and suggestions in a Facebook group with over 3000
members. An educational meeting has been well-attended and a mapping party is soon to take place.
=== Success: ===
Our site now attracts around 40,000 views per month. Many more use our open maps within
various navigation apps or presented in collaborating websites. This open alternative now pushes
government agencies to rethink their closed-garden approach to geo-data.
=== Needs: ===
We are seeking funds to recruit UI experts, map designers and mobile developers. Their work
would improve the usability of our route-planning interface and the legibility of our maps and help us
build a complementary application to benefit outdoor use.

The hiking maps (left) and urban cycling map (right) in their English versions.

Israel Hiking and Biking Maps

2018-07-21T07:53:48Z

Wiki-Guy Shakhar:

== Under construction ==
=== Aims: ===
Providing hikers and bikers with access to open maps of Israel, and involving more volunteers in
the local Open GIS community.
=== Implementation: ===
A website providing two maps based on open data (OSM + SRTM elevation data) and
an interface for planning and sharing routes. Both developed using open-source code.
=== Benefit for hikers: ===
Previously, hikers relied on prohibitively-priced printed maps of hiking paths in Israel,
which were only available in Hebrew. This limited the access of economically disadvantaged and nonHebrew
speaking populations to nature trails. Now everybody can use the free maps on smartphones or
print them out.
=== Benefit for bikers: ===
Our map marks bike paths in cities and safer streets for cycling. Allowing cyclists to
plan safer commuting routes within dense cities in Israel. Grading of mountain bike trails is also shown.
=== Volunteers: ===
So far the planning and coding of the maps and user interface relied on a core of three
volunteers who communicate and meet regularly, helped by several occasional contributors. All
development has been pro-bono.
=== Mapping community: ===
The project has attracted a devout community of mappers to contribute to open
GIS data. Our supporters exchange ideas, tips and suggestions in a Facebook group with over 3000
members. An educational meeting has been well-attended and a mapping party is soon to take place.
=== Success: ===
Our site now attracts around 40,000 views per month. Many more use our open maps within
various navigation apps or presented in collaborating websites. This open alternative now pushes
government agencies to rethink their closed-garden approach to geo-data.
=== Needs: ===
We are seeking funds to recruit UI experts, map designers and mobile developers. Their work
would improve the usability of our route-planning interface and the legibility of our maps and help us
build a complementary application to benefit outdoor use.
The hiking maps (left) and urban cycling map (right) in their English versions.

Israel Hiking and Biking Maps

2018-07-21T07:51:35Z

Wiki-Guy Shakhar:

<big>== Under construction == </big>
=== Aims: ===
Providing hikers and bikers with access to open maps of Israel, and involving more volunteers in
the local Open GIS community.
Implementation: A website providing two maps based on open data (OSM + SRTM elevation data) and
an interface for planning and sharing routes. Both developed using open-source code.
Benefit for hikers: Previously, hikers relied on prohibitively-priced printed maps of hiking paths in Israel,
which were only available in Hebrew. This limited the access of economically disadvantaged and nonHebrew
speaking populations to nature trails. Now everybody can use the free maps on smartphones or
print them out.
=== Benefit for bikers: ===
Our map marks bike paths in cities and safer streets for cycling. Allowing cyclists to
plan safer commuting routes within dense cities in Israel. Grading of mountain bike trails is also shown.
Volunteers: So far the planning and coding of the maps and user interface relied on a core of three
volunteers who communicate and meet regularly, helped by several occasional contributors. All
development has been pro-bono.
=== Mapping community: ===
The project has attracted a devout community of mappers to contribute to open
GIS data. Our supporters exchange ideas, tips and suggestions in a Facebook group with over 3000
members. An educational meeting has been well-attended and a mapping party is soon to take place.
Success: Our site now attracts around 40,000 views per month. Many more use our open maps within
various navigation apps or presented in collaborating websites. This open alternative now pushes
government agencies to rethink their closed-garden approach to geo-data.
Needs: We are seeking funds to recruit UI experts, map designers and mobile developers. Their work
would improve the usability of our route-planning interface and the legibility of our maps and help us
build a complementary application to benefit outdoor use.
The hiking maps (left) and urban cycling map (right) in their English versions.

Israel Hiking and Biking Maps

2018-07-21T07:49:55Z

Wiki-Guy Shakhar:

{{Under construction}}
== Israel Hiking and Biking Maps ==
=== Aims: ===
Providing hikers and bikers with access to open maps of Israel, and involving more volunteers in
the local Open GIS community.
Implementation: A website providing two maps based on open data (OSM + SRTM elevation data) and
an interface for planning and sharing routes. Both developed using open-source code.
Benefit for hikers: Previously, hikers relied on prohibitively-priced printed maps of hiking paths in Israel,
which were only available in Hebrew. This limited the access of economically disadvantaged and nonHebrew
speaking populations to nature trails. Now everybody can use the free maps on smartphones or
print them out.
=== Benefit for bikers: ===
Our map marks bike paths in cities and safer streets for cycling. Allowing cyclists to
plan safer commuting routes within dense cities in Israel. Grading of mountain bike trails is also shown.
Volunteers: So far the planning and coding of the maps and user interface relied on a core of three
volunteers who communicate and meet regularly, helped by several occasional contributors. All
development has been pro-bono.
=== Mapping community: ===
The project has attracted a devout community of mappers to contribute to open
GIS data. Our supporters exchange ideas, tips and suggestions in a Facebook group with over 3000
members. An educational meeting has been well-attended and a mapping party is soon to take place.
Success: Our site now attracts around 40,000 views per month. Many more use our open maps within
various navigation apps or presented in collaborating websites. This open alternative now pushes
government agencies to rethink their closed-garden approach to geo-data.
Needs: We are seeking funds to recruit UI experts, map designers and mobile developers. Their work
would improve the usability of our route-planning interface and the legibility of our maps and help us
build a complementary application to benefit outdoor use.
The hiking maps (left) and urban cycling map (right) in their English versions.