[smcn]

This is blowing my mind, I had no idea it was as good as it was. I always remembering it being slow, empty, and just not really usable.

This is incredible work and I'm sorry that I held such a negative opinion of it for so long!

[mpol]

I held the same negative opinion, until about 2018. Then I thought "enough is enough" and started contributing in my area. This in the hope and expectation that other area's will have volunteers working who started out with the same emotion in a somewhat catalysing effect (is that a word?). Now I am quite proud of maintaining shops and bars in my city, at least I think I am the person who updates those the most :)

[specialist]

Is this a manual process, generally?

I was wondering if someone(s) consume data feeds from local govts. Stuff like permitting, licensing, change-of-address.

I ask because it seems that I'll idly spot a business, while driving around, that I'm sure didn't turn up in a search. (I mostly use Apple Maps.)

Then I thought "surely adding new listings could be automated".

My next thought was "well, just because it's in the database doesn't mean Apple, Google, Yelp will show it".

[openmapsguy]

Almost everything is manual unless an import for an area is happening. Imports require a bunch of documentation and notifications before the data gets pulled in. The data is typically for building and addresses from the government.

Adding together OSM’s rules are stacked against imports, the vocal anti import contingent and specialized software knowledge needed means that few imports happen.