From 8564a1a5b0e9b0cb76d65c8b4ac3f3a86dbb0e15 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: pietervdvn Date: Mon, 31 May 2021 20:40:55 +0200 Subject: [PATCH] Add some documentation on the differences between SC an MC, close #257 --- Docs/MapComplete_vs_other_editors.md | 59 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1 file changed, 59 insertions(+) create mode 100644 Docs/MapComplete_vs_other_editors.md diff --git a/Docs/MapComplete_vs_other_editors.md b/Docs/MapComplete_vs_other_editors.md new file mode 100644 index 000000000..e442be81b --- /dev/null +++ b/Docs/MapComplete_vs_other_editors.md @@ -0,0 +1,59 @@ +# MapComplete versus other editors + +**StreetCo**mplete + **MapCo**ntrib = MapComplete + +## StreetComplete + +StreetComplete might look pretty similar to MapComplete at first glance - especially as it was a huge inspiration. However, there are a few huge differences between the two, especially in vision. + +### Vision + +The core philosophy of StreetComplete is **OpenStreetMap is cool! Help to improve it by answering these questions** +The core philosophy of MapComplete is **Here is a map of topic XYZ - enjoy it and update it if there is still some info missing** + +This means that StreetComplete is mainly aimed towards people who are already OpenStreetMap-enthusiasts, whereas mapcomplete is aimed to an audience interested in a certain topic. +Of course, the next step is to attempt to inform that audience why having an open map is so cool and that they can contribute as well. + +### Use cases + +StreetComplete is to help mappers quickly gather some data on fixed topics + +MapComplete is made to + +- show the OSM-data in great detail for a specific theme about XYZ +- help mappers quickly add data for this theme if they are passing by +- be embedded in other websites +- Allow the addition of new themes + +### Technology + +StreetComplete is an android app, so can only be used on Android Phones + +MapComplete is a web-app, and thus works on all devices. It can be installed as PWA to give an 'app-like'-experience, but can just as well be embedded in other websites. + +### Feature comparison + +MapComplete is also an OpenStreetMap-viewer, while StreetComplete hides known values. + +MapComplete will not work offline. + +In MapComplete it is easier to add more experimental, extremely detailed and more personal styles, as each topic is separated with its own part. + +MapComplete is a bit more complex to use - both because one needs to go hunting for a specific map style rather than getting bunch of quests by default and is likely to ask far more detailed question (email address and phone number of bicycle shop etc). +After all if it would duplicate StreetComplete it would be a bit pointless and it is pretty hard to compete with SC by being easier to use and more newbie friendly, while there is space for "more complicated/detailed/involved editor working like SC". + +Also, MapComplete has no requirement to make question easy to answer, making both possible to ask more questions than StreetComplete but making it more complicated to use. + +No support for splitting ways in MapComplete (as of now - hopefully it'll get added one day). + +MapComplete allows the addition of new points, whereas StreetComplete does not. + + + +## MapContrib + +MapContrib is another very similar editor which served as inspiration. MapContrib offers - just like MapComplete - an extensible, thematic map view. However, I never understood the MapContrib user interface. + +MapContrib also allows to add new points and to edit tags - but it is very cumbersome. + +Note that the use case of MapContrib is much closer to MapComplete