Integrating OpenStreetMap data into your web pages with OpenLayers
Layer Cake
OpenLayers is a JavaScript library that allows you to integrate maps into web pages. You can program the geodetic data directly or read it from a database.
OpenStreetMap is a free project that was founded in 2004 with the goal of creating a freely usable and expandable world map. Contributors gather geodata, load the information into the database, and edit the data. The data includes roads, railways, buildings, and other geographic information. The data from Open-StreetMap finds its way into highway maps, as well as cycling maps, walking maps, and countless special applications.
The geospatial information in OpenStreetMap is freely available, so people can integrate the maps into their own blogs or websites. Even the raw data is freely accessible for development work, including integration with route-finding tools and mobile navigation apps. For instance, you can use OpenStreet-Map to display points of interest (POIs), tourist trails, or weather stations (Figure 1). You can also use OpenStreetMap for accessing and displaying land registration data. The only tribute you need to pay to the community is an indication of the source with a reference to Open-StreetMap.
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.

News
-
openSUSE Joins End of 10
openSUSE has decided to not only join the End of 10 movement but it also will no longer support the Deepin Desktop Environment.
-
New Version of Flatpak Released
Flatpak 1.16.1 is now available as the latest, stable version with various improvements.
-
IBM Announces Powerhouse Linux Server
IBM has unleashed a seriously powerful Linux server with the LinuxONE Emperor 5.
-
Plasma Ends LTS Releases
The KDE Plasma development team is doing away with the LTS releases for a good reason.
-
Arch Linux Available for Windows Subsystem for Linux
If you've ever wanted to use a rolling release distribution with WSL, now's your chance.
-
System76 Releases COSMIC Alpha 7
With scores of bug fixes and a really cool workspaces feature, COSMIC is looking to soon migrate from alpha to beta.
-
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 Available for Installation
The latest release of OpenMandriva has arrived with a new kernel, an updated Plasma desktop, and a server edition.
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.