# OpenStreetMap Americana

> public domain map renderer based on OpenStreetMap data

**Wikidata**: [Q110609728](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q110609728)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OpenStreetMap_Americana)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/openstreetmap-americana

## Summary
OpenStreetMap Americana is a public domain map renderer that uses OpenStreetMap data to create stylized, Americana-themed maps. It is a web application built with MapLibre GL JS and designed to display highway shields and other American road signage in a retro-inspired aesthetic. The project was initiated in 2021 and is maintained as an open-source community project.

## Key Facts
- **Type**: Public domain map renderer based on OpenStreetMap data
- **Software Engine**: Built with MapLibre GL JS (fork of Mapbox GL JS)
- **Inception**: Launched on May 19, 2021
- **Developer**: Brian Sperlongano
- **License**: Creative Commons CC0 License (public domain)
- **Affiliation**: OpenStreetMap U.S. community project (since October 9, 2024)
- **Primary Data Source**: OpenStreetMap database and OpenMapTiles Community Vector Tile Server
- **Depicts**: Highway shields and American road signage
- **Website**: [americanamap.org](https://americanamap.org) (preferred) and [zelonewolf.github.io/openstreetmap-americana/](https://zelonewolf.github.io/openstreetmap-americana/)
- **Source Code**: Hosted on GitHub at [github.com/osm-americana/openstreetmap-americana](https://github.com/osm-americana/openstreetmap-americana)
- **FAQs**: Available at [GitHub Wiki](https://github.com/ZeLonewolf/openstreetmap-americana/wiki/Frequently-asked-questions)
- **Slack Channel**: [#americana](https://osmus.slack.com/archives/C01V02K52UX) in OpenStreetMap U.S. Slack

## FAQs
### Q: What is OpenStreetMap Americana used for?
A: OpenStreetMap Americana is used to render stylized, Americana-themed maps based on OpenStreetMap data, emphasizing highway shields and American road signage in a retro aesthetic.

### Q: Is OpenStreetMap Americana free to use?
A: Yes, OpenStreetMap Americana is licensed under the Creative Commons CC0 License, making it freely usable without restrictions.

### Q: How does OpenStreetMap Americana differ from OpenStreetMap U.S.?
A: OpenStreetMap Americana is a specialized map renderer focused on Americana-themed maps, while OpenStreetMap U.S. is a broader community project supporting OpenStreetMap efforts in the United States.

### Q: Who can contribute to OpenStreetMap Americana?
A: Contributions are welcome from the OpenStreetMap community, particularly those interested in map styling and Americana-themed cartography.

### Q: Where can I find the source code for OpenStreetMap Americana?
A: The source code is available on GitHub at [github.com/osm-americana/openstreetmap-americana](https://github.com/osm-americana/openstreetmap-americana).

## Why It Matters
OpenStreetMap Americana fills a niche in the mapping community by providing a visually distinct, Americana-themed map renderer. It leverages OpenStreetMap’s open data to create retro-inspired maps that highlight highway shields and American road signage, appealing to enthusiasts of vintage cartography. By using MapLibre GL JS, the project ensures compatibility with modern web standards while maintaining open-source principles. As a community project under OpenStreetMap U.S., it contributes to the broader goal of improving geographic data accessibility and visualization. Its public domain license ensures that anyone can use or modify the maps without legal barriers, fostering innovation and creativity in cartography.

## Notable For
- **Public Domain License**: The project is dedicated to the public domain, allowing unrestricted use and modification.
- **Americana-Themed Maps**: Focuses on rendering highway shields and American road signage in a retro aesthetic.
- **OpenStreetMap Integration**: Uses OpenStreetMap data and OpenMapTiles for vector tile rendering.
- **Community Project**: Maintained as part of the OpenStreetMap U.S. community.
- **MapLibre GL JS**: Built on the open-source fork of Mapbox GL JS, ensuring modern web compatibility.

## Body
### Overview
OpenStreetMap Americana is a web application that renders stylized, Americana-themed maps using OpenStreetMap data. It was developed by Brian Sperlongano and launched on May 19, 2021. The project is licensed under the Creative Commons CC0 License, placing it in the public domain.

### Technology
The application is built with MapLibre GL JS, an open-source fork of Mapbox GL JS, and uses the OpenMapTiles Community Vector Tile Server for data. It is compatible with OpenMapTiles and designed to depict highway shields and other American road signage.

### Development and Community
OpenStreetMap Americana is an open-source project hosted on GitHub. Contributions are managed through the repository, and the project has a dedicated Slack channel for communication. It is affiliated with OpenStreetMap U.S. as a community project since October 9, 2024.

### Availability
The primary website is [americanamap.org](https://americanamap.org), with an alternative site at [zelonewolf.github.io/openstreetmap-americana/](https://zelonewolf.github.io/openstreetmap-americana/). The source code is available at [github.com/osm-americana/openstreetmap-americana](https://github.com/osm-americana/openstreetmap-americana).

### Documentation
Frequently asked questions are available on the GitHub Wiki, and the project is documented on the OpenStreetMap Wiki. The project uses continuous integration for software quality assurance.

### Multilingual Support
OpenStreetMap Americana supports multiple languages, with English being the primary language for documentation and interfaces. The project has been adapted for multilingual use since November 26, 2022.

## References

1. [Source](https://github.com/osm-americana/openstreetmap-americana/pull/578)
2. [Source](https://www.openstreetmap.us/2022/12/americana-language/)
3. [Source](https://openstreetmap.us/news/2024/10/welcome-americana/)
4. [Source](https://github.com/osm-americana/openstreetmap-americana/blob/7cc47e500a8e24ae5e5a854a2940020d2df8df9f/LICENSE)
5. [Source](https://github.com/osm-americana/openstreetmap-americana/blob/b21979c3cb15066d362936c3abe53425e93b51d3/package.json#L43)
6. [Source](https://github.com/osm-americana/openstreetmap-americana/commit/c69d6a647934c8ca029393051d2b124d97aff77c)
7. [Source](https://github.com/osm-americana/openstreetmap-americana/commit/12bea64ffb084f046dd5b4574bf7a987cf61650e)
8. [Source](https://community.openstreetmap.org/t/americana-is-moving-to-americanamap-org/116224/11)
9. OpenStreetMap U.S. Tileservice