Question

Explain any two basic elements of the Open Street Map.

Answer 1

1. Point or Node: Point or Node represents the smallest object on the map. It is usually a part of the area or path or region. But sometimes, a point can represent a special object such as a tree, a shop or cafe, a dispensary or junction or lamp-post, etc. In such a case, it is called a Point Of Interest (POI). We assign tags (keywords) to such Points of Interest in order to give information about them. Any Point on a map has unique coordinates called Latitude and Longitude.
2. Lines or Ways: Only points or nodes are not sufficient to describe information on maps. More complex objects like roads, rivers, boundaries are shown using Ways (lines or paths). Ways are the lines connected by nodes. The order of the points is important as this order determines the shape of the object and also the direction of flow. Hence Way is an ordered list of nodes.