Using OpenStreetMap rather than Google Maps?

[harry-wood]

You have "Open" in the name, so I wondered if you have thought about using OpenStreetMap rather than Google Maps? By using OpenStreetMap you would be supporting this not-for-profit global collaboration, and setting an example to other coders to do the same. We're a good cause, working to create an open licensed map of world.

In practice what this would mean in your codebase, is probably switching to use an open source web mapping library called "LeafletJS". There would be a small amount of re-coding the logic you have for placing markers etc (It's a very similar API to google maps, nicer in some ways, but would require some re-writing)

With OpenStreetMap you have a choice of different "tile servers" to connect to, with different rendering styles. Mapquest Open is a nice style for example (code sample to use that)

Anyway I'm thinking of going along to the London event some time, so maybe this could be my little OpenHack project :-)