OSM File Documentation

Overview

Feature Value
File Extension .osm
Format Type XML
MIME Type application/xml
Primary Usage Storing Geographical Information
Element: Node Represents a specific point on earth's surface
Element: Way Represents a polyline or polygon on the map
Element: Relation Defines relationships between two or more data elements
Tagging System Key-value pairs for describing map features
API Version Attribute Specifies the OSM API version used
License ODbL (Open Database License)
Encoding UTF-8
Root Element <osm>
Editable Yes, with suitable software or text editor
Geospatial Data Types Points, Lines, and Polygons
Use in Web Mapping Commonly used as source data for web-based map services
Community Large and active global community
Presets Community-created tagging schema for map features
Data Integrity Can be verified through version and user attributes
Export Options Various formats via export tools (PDF, PNG, SVG, etc.)
Accessibility Free and open to use, modify, and distribute