OpenStreetMap DownloaderΒΆ

This tool will fetch building (‘structure’) data from the OpenStreetMap project for you.

OpenStreetMap Downloader

OpenStreetMap Downloader

InaSAFE supports the use of building data in various impact functions. In particular we support building footprints sourced from the OpenStreetMap project (OSM). The tool requires internet connection as it fetches the data via a web service running on Linfiniti’s OSM Reporter web site.

The data, once downloaded will be available to you as a shapefile. A style file is automatically created so that it symbolises nicely in QGIS. In addition, the correct keyword metadata is created for the downloaded dataset so that it can be used directly in InaSAFE impact scenario analyses.

Note: The building downloader service has limitations as to the size of datasets that can be retrieved. As such you may experience issues trying to fetch e.g. country wide building footprint data. Generally datasets at a city level and below should work well.

To use this tool effectively:

  • Use QGIS to zoom in to the area for which you want building data to be retrieved.
  • Check the output directory is correct. Note that the saved dataset will be called buildings.shp (and its associated files).
  • Press the OK Button and wait for the data to be retrieved.

Warning

If a dataset already exists in the output directory it will be overwritten. This tool requires a working internet connection and fetching buildings will consume your bandwidth.

Note

Downloaded data is copyright OpenStreetMap contributors (click for more info).


Contact info@inasafe.org for more information. Source code available on GitHub! Please file a ticket if you have discovered an issue.
This document is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia License.
CCByA, Copyright 2013, BNPB/AusAID/World Bank.