# MapRoulette

> open-source crowdsourcing platform for OpenStreetMap

**Wikidata**: [Q116814708](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q116814708)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/maproulette

## Summary
MapRoulette is an open-source crowdsourcing platform for OpenStreetMap that enables volunteers to improve map data through gamified tasks. It connects contributors with specific mapping challenges, transforming the editing process into an engaging experience.

## Key Facts
- MapRoulette was founded on October 13, 2012, by Martijn van Exel
- It is licensed under the MIT License
- The platform is owned by OpenStreetMap U.S. starting January 15, 2026
- MapRoulette is classified as a tasking manager, open-source software, open-source project, game with a purpose, and OpenStreetMap editor software
- The project has a GitHub username of "maproulette"
- MapRoulette consists of both a frontend website and a backend API (MapRoulette API)
- It is affiliated with OpenStreetMap U.S. as a charter project from March 9, 2023, to January 15, 2026
- The platform is sponsored by TomTom
- MapRoulette was named after the game of roulette

## FAQs
### Q: What is MapRoulette used for?
A: MapRoulette is an open-source crowdsourcing platform that enables volunteers to contribute to OpenStreetMap by completing small, localized mapping tasks. It gamifies the process of improving map data, making it engaging and accessible for contributors of all skill levels.

### Q: Who created MapRoulette?
A: MapRoulette was founded by Martijn van Exel on October 13, 2012. It is now part of OpenStreetMap U.S., which will take full ownership starting January 15, 2026.

### Q: How does MapRoulette work with OpenStreetMap?
A: MapRoulette serves as a tasking manager for OpenStreetMap, breaking down larger mapping projects into manageable tasks that volunteers can complete. It integrates with the OpenStreetMap API to allow contributors to directly edit and improve map data.

### Q: What is the license of MapRoulette?
A: MapRoulette is licensed under the MIT License, which is a permissive license allowing anyone to use, modify, and redistribute the software with minimal restrictions.

### Q: Who sponsors MapRoulette?
A: MapRoulette is sponsored by TomTom, a company that provides navigation and location technology services.

## Why It Matters
MapRoulette addresses a critical challenge in OpenStreetMap development: how to efficiently organize and direct volunteer contributions to improve map quality. By gamifying the mapping process, it transforms what might otherwise be tedious data entry into an engaging experience, attracting more contributors and resulting in better geographic data coverage. The platform has become particularly valuable for humanitarian mapping efforts and local community improvements. Its structure of breaking complex mapping projects into small, targeted tasks makes OpenStreetMap more accessible to newcomers while providing veterans with meaningful ways to contribute. As OpenStreetMap continues to grow as a free, editable map of the world, tools like MapRoulette become increasingly important in maintaining and improving its quality.

## Notable For
- Being one of the primary tasking managers for OpenStreetMap, a critical tool for organizing volunteer mapping efforts
- Its gamified approach to crowdsourced mapping that makes data entry more engaging
- Being transitioned to OpenStreetMap U.S. ownership, demonstrating its importance to the OpenStreetMap ecosystem
- Its comprehensive internationalization with support for multiple languages including English, Czech, German, Spanish, French, Dutch, Portuguese, Russian, and Japanese
- Its dual structure consisting of both a frontend website and a dedicated API for integration with other systems

## Body
### General Information
MapRoulette is an open-source crowdsourcing platform specifically designed for OpenStreetMap. The platform breaks down larger mapping projects into smaller, manageable tasks that volunteers can complete. This approach makes contributing to OpenStreetMap more accessible and engaging, especially for those new to mapping.

### Technical Details
- **Frontend**: MapRoulette serves as a frontend website where users can access and complete mapping tasks
- **Backend**: The platform includes MapRoulette API, which provides the backend server functionality
- **License**: MIT License
- **Distribution**: Hosted on Netlify
- **Source Code**: Available on GitHub under the username "maproulette"

### Development and Organization
- **Founded**: October 13, 2012, by Martijn van Exel
- **Inception**: The project began with a concept inspired by the game of roulette, hence its name
- **Affiliation**: From March 9, 2023, to January 15, 2026, MapRoulette was affiliated with OpenStreetMap U.S. as a charter project
- **Ownership**: Starting January 15, 2026, MapRoulette will be fully owned by OpenStreetMap U.S.
- **Sponsorship**: Currently sponsored by TomTom

### Community and Support
- **User Manual**: Available at https://learn.maproulette.org/ in English
- **Community Wiki**: Described in multiple languages on the OpenStreetMap wiki, including Czech, German, Spanish, French, Dutch, Portuguese, Russian, and Japanese
- **Issue Tracking**: GitHub issues page available at https://github.com/maproulette/maproulette3/issues
- **Translation Contributions**: Translations can be contributed via https://www.transifex.com/osmlab/maproulette3/
- **Social Media**: 
  - Twitter: @maproulette (account ID 2247621594, active since December 15, 2013)
  - Mastodon: @MapRoulette@en.osm.town (active since October 27, 2022)
  - Blog: https://blog.maproulette.org/

### Usage and Statistics
- **Social Media Followers**: Has 288 followers on Mastodon as of March 16, 2024
- **Website**: https://maproulette.org/ (primarily in English)
- **Commons Category**: MapRoulette

## References

1. [Source](https://openstreetmap.us/news/2023/03/MapRoulette_Announcement/)
2. [Source](https://openstreetmap.us/news/2026/01/maproulette-and-osmcha-become-programs/)
3. [Source](https://openstreetmap.us/news/2023/11/TomTom_support_for_MapRoulette/)