# Harald Hetzner

> JOSM Plugin developer

**Wikidata**: [Q137742981](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q137742981)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/harald-hetzner

## Summary
Harald Hetzner is a German programmer and OpenStreetMap contributor best known for developing the JOSM Elevation Plugin, a tool that enhances geographic data editing in OpenStreetMap. He is also active as a Wikimedian and Wikidata editor, contributing to open-source and collaborative knowledge projects.

## Biography
- Born: [No date/place available]
- Nationality: Germany
- Education: [No data available]
- Known for: Developing the JOSM Elevation Plugin for OpenStreetMap
- Employer(s): [No data available]
- Field(s): Software development, geographic information systems (GIS), open-source mapping tools

## Contributions
Harald Hetzner’s primary contribution is the **JOSM Elevation Plugin**, a critical tool for OpenStreetMap (OSM) users that integrates elevation data into the Java OpenStreetMap Editor (JOSM). This plugin enables more accurate mapping by allowing users to visualize and edit elevation contours, directly supporting OSM’s mission to create detailed, open geographic datasets. Hetzner has maintained an active role in the OSM community since at least 2018 (OSM user ID: 9177796) and has contributed to Wikidata under the username "Harald Hetzner" since May 2014. His work reflects a focus on practical, user-driven tools for open-source mapping and knowledge sharing.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Harald Hetzner’s most notable project?
A: He developed the **JOSM Elevation Plugin**, a key tool for integrating elevation data into OpenStreetMap edits.

### Q: Where is Harald Hetzner active online?
A: He contributes to OpenStreetMap (username: Hhtznr), Wikidata (username: Harald Hetzner), and GitHub (username: hhtznr).

### Q: What is Harald Hetzner’s nationality?
A: He is German.

## Why They Matter
Harald Hetzner’s work bridges technical development and community-driven mapping, enhancing the utility of OpenStreetMap through specialized tools like the JOSM Elevation Plugin. His contributions to open-source projects ensure that geographic data remains accessible and modifiable, supporting applications in urban planning, environmental research, and disaster response. Without tools like his plugin, OSM contributors would face greater challenges in creating precise, elevation-aware maps, limiting the platform’s effectiveness for real-world use cases.

## Notable For
- Creator of the **JOSM Elevation Plugin**, a specialized tool for OpenStreetMap editors.
- Active OpenStreetMap contributor (user ID: 9177796, registered 2018) and Wikidata editor (since 2014).
- Maintains a GitHub presence (username: hhtznr) for open-source collaboration.

## Body
### Career Focus
Harald Hetzner’s career centers on open-source software development, particularly in the context of geographic information systems (GIS) and collaborative mapping. His work on the **JOSM Elevation Plugin** addresses a specific need within the OpenStreetMap community: the integration of elevation data to improve map accuracy and usability.

### OpenStreetMap Contributions
- **JOSM Elevation Plugin**: Enables users to visualize and edit elevation contours directly within JOSM, streamlining the mapping process.
- **Community Involvement**: Active on OpenStreetMap since 2018 (user ID: 9177796), with a profile documented on the OSM Wiki.

### Technical Work
- **GitHub Activity**: Develops and maintains projects under the username **hhtznr**, focusing on mapping tools and utilities.
- **Wikidata Engagement**: Contributes to Wikidata under the username "Harald Hetzner" since May 30, 2014, aligning with broader efforts to structure and share knowledge openly.

## References

1. [Source](https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/User:Hhtznr)