I just read about the Bing road detect API and I think it is sad but as expected to see that it isn't FOSS . I hope OSM continues to only depend on FOSS services.
OpenStreetMap
I just read about the Bing road detect API and I think it is sad but as expected to see that it isn't FOSS . I hope OSM continues to only depend on FOSS services.
Discussion
Comment from Zverik on 5 February 2011 at 13:11
Why do you hate non-opensource software and why it should not be used to edit OSM maps?
Comment from Pink Duck on 5 February 2011 at 17:59
Probably because Microsoft could withdraw it (or start charging) at any point, no derivative versions from it could be easily made, requests for feature improvements could be ignored, etc.
Comment from Seizuka on 6 February 2011 at 21:25
Yes, it is about remaining independent. The ability and license to use FOSS software can not be revoked. With non-FOSS software it can happen any time and with it all the hard work that went into it can not be used anymore. Allowing any one entity to withdraw something that would be part of the OSM project or that the OSM project would depend on is a bad idea.
It's not that I hate non-FOSS software, it is more that I would hate to not be able to use it anymore after I put work into learning to use it and into improving it. And as I'm a programmer I would like to be able to improve the software I use if I feel the need.
Also it should not be forbidden to edit OSM maps with non-FOSS software (someone who chooses to do that should be allowed to), but such software should not be advocated either.
Comment from RussNelson on 7 February 2011 at 04:17
It's just a tool. It would be unfortunate if Microsoft chose to withdraw it. It would also be unfortunate if an Open Source tool on which many relied stopped working. It's less likely than Microsoft withdrawing the tool, but it's certainly possible. Open Source Software is better, but it is not perfect.