# Geofabrik GmbH > German geospatial company **Wikidata**: [Q100314810](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q100314810) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/geofabrik-gmbh ## Summary Geofabrik GmbH is a German geospatial company specializing in open geospatial data services, particularly supporting OpenStreetMap (OSM). Founded in 2007 by Frederik Ramm and Jochen Topf, it is a key provider of high-quality geospatial data and tools, playing a significant role in the open-source mapping community. ## Key Facts - **Founded**: 2007 by Frederik Ramm and Jochen Topf. - **Headquarters**: Karlsruhe, Germany. - **Legal Form**: Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung (GmbH). - **Industry**: Geospatial industry. - **Owned By**: Frederik Ramm. - **Website**: [https://geofabrik.de](https://geofabrik.de). - **Mastodon Address**: geofabrik@en.osm.town (since 2023-01-03). - **Official Blog URL**: [https://blog.geofabrik.de/](https://blog.geofabrik.de/). - **EU VAT Number**: DE222535480. - **Coordinates**: Latitude 49.009606, Longitude 8.3902072. - **OpenStreetMap Node ID**: 312915889. - **Crunchbase Organization ID**: geofabrik. - **Member of**: OpenStreetMap Foundation (organizational member since 2014-07-16, silver member since 2020-11-00). - **Director/Manager**: Frederik Ramm (since 2007), Jochen Topf (2007-2010). - **Social Media Followers**: 354 (2024-02-12), 398 (2024-03-16), 415 (2024-04-11) on Mastodon. ## FAQs ### What is Geofabrik GmbH? Geofabrik GmbH is a German geospatial company founded in 2007 by Frederik Ramm and Jochen Topf. It specializes in providing open geospatial data services and tools, particularly supporting the OpenStreetMap (OSM) community. ### Who founded Geofabrik GmbH? Geofabrik GmbH was founded by Frederik Ramm and Jochen Topf in 2007. Frederik Ramm is a prominent figure in the open-source mapping community and a key contributor to OpenStreetMap. ### Where is Geofabrik GmbH located? Geofabrik GmbH is headquartered in Karlsruhe, Germany. The company's coordinates are latitude 49.009606 and longitude 8.3902072. ### What is the legal form of Geofabrik GmbH? Geofabrik GmbH is registered as a Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung (GmbH), which is a type of private limited company in Germany. ### What is the role of Geofabrik GmbH in the OpenStreetMap Foundation? Geofabrik GmbH has been a member of the OpenStreetMap Foundation since 2014-07-16. It has held various membership levels, including organizational member, bronze member, and currently, silver member since 2020-11-00. ### What is the official website of Geofabrik GmbH? The official website of Geofabrik GmbH is [https://geofabrik.de](https://geofabrik.de). The company also maintains an official blog at [https://blog.geofabrik.de/](https://blog.geofabrik.de/). ### What is the Mastodon address of Geofabrik GmbH? Geofabrik GmbH is active on Mastodon with the address geofabrik@en.osm.town, which has been in use since 2023-01-03. ### What is the EU VAT number of Geofabrik GmbH? The EU VAT number of Geofabrik GmbH is DE222535480. ### What is the OpenStreetMap Node ID of Geofabrik GmbH? The OpenStreetMap Node ID of Geofabrik GmbH is 312915889. ### What is the Crunchbase Organization ID of Geofabrik GmbH? The Crunchbase Organization ID of Geofabrik GmbH is geofabrik. ## Why It Matters Geofabrik GmbH plays a crucial role in the open-source mapping community by providing high-quality geospatial data services and tools. Its contributions to OpenStreetMap (OSM) have significantly enhanced the accessibility and usability of open geospatial data, supporting various applications and innovations in the field. The company's leadership, particularly through Frederik Ramm, has helped shape the future of open mapping, making geospatial data more accessible and useful for a wide range of applications. ## Notable For - **Founding by Prominent Figures**: Founded by Frederik Ramm and Jochen Topf, key contributors to the OpenStreetMap community. - **Open Geospatial Data Services**: Providing high-quality geospatial data services and tools, particularly supporting OpenStreetMap. - **Membership in OpenStreetMap Foundation**: Active member since 2014, currently holding silver membership status. - **Headquarters in Karlsruhe**: Located in Karlsruhe, Germany, a hub for geospatial technology and innovation. - **Active Social Media Presence**: Engaging with the community on Mastodon, with a growing follower base. - **Official Blog**: Maintaining an official blog to share updates and insights on geospatial technology and open mapping. ## Body ### History and Founding Geofabrik GmbH was founded in 2007 by Frederik Ramm and Jochen Topf. Both founders are prominent figures in the open-source mapping community, with Frederik Ramm being a key contributor to OpenStreetMap (OSM). The company was established to provide high-quality geospatial data services and tools, supporting the growth and development of open-source mapping initiatives. ### Leadership and Management Frederik Ramm has been the director/manager of Geofabrik GmbH since its founding in 2007. Jochen Topf served as a director/manager from 2007 to 2010. Frederik Ramm's leadership has been instrumental in shaping the company's strategic direction and its contributions to the open-source mapping community. ### Membership in OpenStreetMap Foundation Geofabrik GmbH has been a member of the OpenStreetMap Foundation since 2014-07-16. The company has held various membership levels, including organizational member, bronze member, and currently, silver member since 2020-11-00. This membership highlights Geofabrik GmbH's commitment to supporting and advancing the OpenStreetMap project. ### Geospatial Data Services Geofabrik GmbH specializes in providing open geospatial data services and tools. The company's services are designed to support the OpenStreetMap community and other geospatial applications. By offering high-quality data and tools, Geofabrik GmbH has played a significant role in making geospatial data more accessible and useful for a wide range of applications. ### Headquarters and Location Geofabrik GmbH is headquartered in Karlsruhe, Germany. The company's coordinates are latitude 49.009606 and longitude 8.3902072. Karlsruhe is known for its strong focus on technology and innovation, making it an ideal location for a geospatial company. ### Online Presence Geofabrik GmbH maintains an active online presence, including an official website at [https://geofabrik.de](https://geofabrik.de) and an official blog at [https://blog.geofabrik.de/](https://blog.geofabrik.de/). The company is also active on Mastodon with the address geofabrik@en.osm.town, which has been in use since 2023-01-03. This online presence allows Geofabrik GmbH to engage with the community and share updates on its services and tools. ### Social Media Followers Geofabrik GmbH has a growing follower base on Mastodon, with 354 followers as of 2024-02-12, 398 followers as of 2024-03-16, and 415 followers as of 2024-04-11. This growing follower base reflects the company's increasing influence and engagement within the open-source mapping community. ### Legal and Financial Information Geofabrik GmbH is registered as a Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung (GmbH), a type of private limited company in Germany. The company's EU VAT number is DE222535480. This legal and financial information underscores the company's formal structure and compliance with regulatory requirements. ### OpenStreetMap Node ID Geofabrik GmbH is associated with the OpenStreetMap Node ID 312915889. This identifier is used within the OpenStreetMap database to reference the company's location and other relevant data. ### Crunchbase Organization ID Geofabrik GmbH is listed on Crunchbase with the Organization ID geofabrik. This listing provides additional information about the company's background, services, and achievements, further enhancing its visibility and credibility within the geospatial industry. ### Contributions to OpenStreetMap Geofabrik GmbH has made significant contributions to the OpenStreetMap project, providing high-quality geospatial data services and tools. The company's contributions have helped to enhance the accessibility and usability of open geospatial data, supporting various applications and innovations in the field. ### Community Engagement Geofabrik GmbH is actively engaged with the open-source mapping community through its online presence, social media activity, and participation in relevant events and conferences. This engagement helps to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing within the community, further advancing the field of open geospatial data. ### Future Directions Geofabrik GmbH continues to play a crucial role in the open-source mapping community, with a focus on providing high-quality geospatial data services and tools. The company's leadership, particularly through Frederik Ramm, is committed to advancing the field of open geospatial data and supporting the growth and development of OpenStreetMap and other related initiatives. ## References 1. [Source](https://www.geofabrik.de/geofabrik/geofabrik.html) 2. Common Register Portal of the German Federal States 3. [Source](https://wiki.osmfoundation.org/wiki/Special:Diff/2652) 4. [Source](https://wiki.osmfoundation.org/wiki/Special:Diff/4669) 5. [Source](https://wiki.osmfoundation.org/wiki/Special:Diff/7791)