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Many people come to our service because they need geocoding. They don't (yet) really know anything about open data. So let's break down why using open data matters
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[a thread]
2/ The "open" in "open data" has to do with the idea that you have freedom to do more with the data. Background: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_data
3/ Closed" or proprietary data sources typically add restrictions on what you can do with "their" data. How long you can store it, where you can display it, different pricing if you use it publicly or behind a firewall. Prepare to spend hours reading the fine print. 
4/ That might sound like fun for lawyers, but it's a real drag when you're trying to build (and maintain) a compelling digital service. Worst is when it comes as a surprise - want to stop being a customer, you have to delete the data. Welcome to vendor lock in. Lame. 
5/ We aggregate many different open data sources. This means:
display on any map
store the data as long as you like
use in print, apps, behind firewall, etc.
Up to you
https://opencagedata.com/credits
display on any map store the data as long as you like use in print, apps, behind firewall, etc. Up to you
https://opencagedata.com/credits
6/ A key attribute of open data, and the one that often leads to the "Aha!" moment for new customers, is the fact that you can fix it. Anyone can edit OpenStreetMap. Today. New house get built? Add it to OSM and we'll have it within 48 hours.
7/ No more waiting for someone at megacorp HQ to add a fix. We've written a small tutorial on adding addresses to OSM: https://opencagedata.com/tutorials/adding-an-address-to-openstreetmap but there are tons of great resources. We often recommend http://learnosm.org (available in 20+ languages)
8/ 
Fair warning - editing OSM is fun and can become addictive. But this gets to a key point - open data thrives when we all contribute back. With data, code, growing the community, financial support. https://opencagedata.com/about#geo-innovation
Fair warning - editing OSM is fun and can become addictive. But this gets to a key point - open data thrives when we all contribute back. With data, code, growing the community, financial support. https://opencagedata.com/about#geo-innovation
9/ Finally, open data is free as in costs no money. 
This means we can be radically more affordable than traditional, closed data geocoding services. https://opencagedata.com/reducing-your-google-geocoding-costs
This means we can be radically more affordable than traditional, closed data geocoding services. https://opencagedata.com/reducing-your-google-geocoding-costs
10/ But wait. If open data is free, why should you pay to use a service like ours? Why not just run it yourself?
Because it's a lot of work to operate and maintain a massive, continually changing dataset.
Because it's a lot of work to operate and maintain a massive, continually changing dataset.
11/ We do all the work to provide and maintain enterprise level reliability around open data.
Fully redundant data centers
Reasonable price, with no lock in
Friendly, responsive point of contact when you have questions
Fully redundant data centers Reasonable price, with no lock in Friendly, responsive point of contact when you have questions
12/ Staying on top of a vibrant, global community like OSM is big job. Luckily it's one we enjoy. Thread soon on resources we use, but if you want to dive in over the years we interviewed folks from many OSM communities around the world on our blog. https://blog.opencagedata.com/tagged/osminterview
13/ Thx for reading. Have questions about open data? Or anything else related to geocoding? Please get in touch: https://opencagedata.com/contact And if you need geocoding, please check out our free trial.
