OpenStreetMap (OSM) is a global, community-built, open-source map database. It includes roads, buildings, trails, parks, cafés—everything you'd expect on a detailed map — and it’s all free.
Atlas integrates seamlessly with OSM, letting you grab open data directly in your browser and export it for use in GIS projects.
Why use OSM with Atlas?
- Free and open: No cost, open Data Commons license.
- Built-in integration: No need to switch tools or formats.
- Rich global data: Access roads, buildings, crafts, parks, transit, and more.
- Quick and easy: Three simple steps from selecting data to downloading shapefiles.
How it works in Atlas
1. Open your Atlas map
Launch your project in Atlas on desktop or browser.
Work faster with spatial data
Easily import data, automate analysis and build spatial apps for the web, all within a single software.
2. Add OSM data
- Click Import → choose OSM Integration
- Optionally adjust the map area you’re interested in
- Pick tags (e.g.,
highway,building,amenity=cafe) - Click Query — Atlas pulls live OSM features directly into your map pane
3. Export data (or analyze further in Atlas)
- In Layers, open the menu beside your OSM layer
- Choose Export → select Shapefile (SHP)
- Atlas packs it and downloads a
.zipcontaining.shp,.shx,.dbf,.prj— ready for GIS tools
What you get
- Attributes: OSM tags as columns (e.g.,
name,type,surface) - Correct projection: Includes
.prjfile (typically EPSG:4326) - Downloadable package: Easy to share, archive, or load in your GIS
Use cases
- Urban analysis: Export building footprints for planning
- Transport mapping: Grab road and trail networks
- Business insights: Map cafes, grocery stores, or ATMs nearby
- Custom styling: Combine with your own data — heatmaps, clusters, labels
Tips for best results
- Select relevant tags to avoid clutter: e.g.,
amenity=parkorhighway=residential - Zoom to your area of interest before querying to limit data
- Use filters in Atlas to style or isolate specific features
- Validate layers by loading in QGIS or ArcGIS — check geometry and attributes
Why Atlas + OSM is powerful
| Feature | Traditional OSM method | Atlas Integration |
|---|---|---|
| Data download | Manual XML/Overpass queries | One-click via Atlas |
| GIS export | Needs QGIS/GeoJSON conversion | Export Shapefile directly |
| Data selection | Complex tag filtering | Interactive tag picker |
| Tool requirement | Desktop GIS + plugins | Browser only |
| Workflow speed | Slow and multi-step | Fast, streamlined |
