# Merkaartor

> free software

**Wikidata**: [Q1274326](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1274326)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/merkaartor

## Summary
Merkaartor is a free, open-source software editor for OpenStreetMap, distributed under the GNU General Public License. It is named after cartographer Gerardus Mercator and runs on Microsoft Windows and macOS. The software allows users to freely run, study, modify, and distribute it, making it a key tool for collaborative mapping projects.

## Key Facts
- **License**: GNU General Public License (GPL)
- **Operating Systems**: Microsoft Windows, macOS
- **Latest Version**: 0.18.2 (released on 2015-07-19)
- **Named After**: Gerardus Mercator, a 16th-century cartographer
- **Programming Language**: C++
- **Source Code Repository**: Hosted on GitHub at [https://github.com/openstreetmap/merkaartor](https://github.com/openstreetmap/merkaartor)
- **Issue Tracker**: [https://github.com/openstreetmap/merkaartor/issues](https://github.com/openstreetmap/merkaartor/issues)
- **Website**: [http://merkaartor.be/](http://merkaartor.be/)
- **Instance Of**: Free software, OpenStreetMap editor software

## FAQs
### Q: What is Merkaartor used for?
A: Merkaartor is an open-source editor for OpenStreetMap, designed for creating and modifying map data. It allows users to contribute to collaborative mapping projects by editing geographic features, roads, and other elements.

### Q: Is Merkaartor free to use?
A: Yes, Merkaartor is free software distributed under the GNU General Public License (GPL), meaning users can freely run, study, modify, and distribute it.

### Q: Which operating systems does Merkaartor support?
A: Merkaartor runs on Microsoft Windows and macOS, making it accessible to users of these operating systems.

### Q: How can I contribute to Merkaartor?
A: You can contribute by reporting issues on the GitHub issue tracker, submitting code changes via pull requests, or translating the software on Transifex.

### Q: Where can I download Merkaartor?
A: Merkaartor can be downloaded from its official GitHub repository or through package managers for various Linux distributions.

## Why It Matters
Merkaartor plays a crucial role in the OpenStreetMap community by providing a user-friendly tool for editing map data. Its open-source nature ensures transparency and community-driven development, allowing users to customize and improve the software. Named after Gerardus Mercator, the software reflects the collaborative spirit of cartography, enabling volunteers worldwide to contribute to accurate and up-to-date maps. By supporting multiple operating systems, Merkaartor democratizes access to mapping tools, empowering individuals and organizations to participate in geographic data collection. Its active development and community engagement make it a vital resource for the OpenStreetMap ecosystem.

## Notable For
- **Open-Source Contribution**: Merkaartor is a key open-source project within the OpenStreetMap community, encouraging collaboration and customization.
- **Cross-Platform Support**: It is available on Microsoft Windows and macOS, expanding its accessibility beyond Linux-based systems.
- **Named After a Legendary Cartographer**: The software is named after Gerardus Mercator, honoring a pioneer in map-making.
- **Active Development**: Regular updates and releases ensure the software remains functional and relevant.
- **Community-Driven**: Users can contribute through issue reporting, code submissions, and translations, fostering a vibrant development community.

## Body
### Overview
Merkaartor is a free and open-source geographic information system (GIS) editor designed for OpenStreetMap. It is distributed under the GNU General Public License (GPL), allowing users to freely run, study, modify, and distribute the software. The project is named after Gerardus Mercator, a 16th-century Flemish cartographer known for his work on map projections.

### Development and Releases
Merkaartor has undergone several releases, with the latest version being 0.18.2, released on July 19, 2015. Previous versions include 0.18.1 (June 11, 2012), 0.18.0 (May 31, 2012), and earlier versions such as 0.16.0 (June 6, 2010) and 0.17.0 (December 26, 2010). The software's development is tracked on GitHub, where users can report issues and contribute to the codebase.

### Operating Systems
Merkaartor is compatible with Microsoft Windows and macOS, making it accessible to a broader range of users. It is also available for various Linux distributions through package managers, including Arch Linux, Fedora, Gentoo, and Ubuntu.

### Community and Contributions
The project encourages community involvement through its GitHub repository and issue tracker. Users can contribute by submitting code changes, reporting bugs, or translating the software via Transifex. The software's open-source nature fosters collaboration and customization, allowing users to adapt it to their specific needs.

### Usage and Features
Merkaartor is primarily used for editing OpenStreetMap data, including adding and modifying geographic features, roads, and other elements. Its user-friendly interface makes it suitable for both beginners and experienced mappers. The software supports multiple languages and is continuously updated to improve functionality and performance.

### Availability and Accessibility
Merkaartor can be downloaded from its official website or through package managers for various operating systems. Its availability on multiple platforms ensures that users can access and contribute to the software regardless of their operating system. The project's documentation and community support further enhance its accessibility and usability.

## References

1. [The merkaartor Open Source Project on Open Hub: Languages Page. Open Hub](https://www.openhub.net/p/merkaartor/analyses/latest/languages_summary)
2. [Release 0.18.2. 2015](https://github.com/openstreetmap/merkaartor/releases/tag/0.18.2)
3. [Release 0.18.3. 2016](https://github.com/openstreetmap/merkaartor/releases/tag/0.18.3)
4. [Release 0.16.0. 2010](https://github.com/openstreetmap/merkaartor/releases/tag/0.16.0)
5. [Release 0.17.0. 2010](https://github.com/openstreetmap/merkaartor/releases/tag/0.17.0)
6. [Release 0.18.0. 2012](https://github.com/openstreetmap/merkaartor/releases/tag/0.18.0)
7. [Release 0.18.1. 2012](https://github.com/openstreetmap/merkaartor/releases/tag/0.18.1)
8. [Release 0.14. 2010](https://github.com/openstreetmap/merkaartor/releases/tag/0.14)
9. [Release 0.15. 2010](https://github.com/openstreetmap/merkaartor/releases/tag/0.15)
10. [Release 0.16.1. 2010](https://github.com/openstreetmap/merkaartor/releases/tag/0.16.1)
11. [Release 0.16.2. 2010](https://github.com/openstreetmap/merkaartor/releases/tag/0.16.2)
12. [Release 0.16.3. 2010](https://github.com/openstreetmap/merkaartor/releases/tag/0.16.3)
13. [Release 0.17.1. 2011](https://github.com/openstreetmap/merkaartor/releases/tag/0.17.1)
14. [Release 0.17.2. 2011](https://github.com/openstreetmap/merkaartor/releases/tag/0.17.2)
15. [Release 0.16-1. 2010](https://github.com/openstreetmap/merkaartor/releases/tag/0.16-1)
16. [Merkaartor 0.19.0. 2021](https://github.com/openstreetmap/merkaartor/releases/tag/0.19.0)
17. [Merkaartor 0.20.0](https://github.com/openstreetmap/merkaartor/releases/tag/0.20.0)
18. [Source](https://api.github.com/repos/openstreetmap/merkaartor)
19. OSM Apps Catalog