Data quality is one of the key factors that determine the choice of dataset for particular purpose.
OpenStreetMap (OSM) is the most widely used and most complete database of volunteered geographic
information (VGI). Its quality is very heterogenous and depends on many factors. The quality
assessment must be objective; therefore, we have assessed the quality of OpenStreetMap data according
to the quality elements and according to the procedures described by standard ISO 19157-2:2023. We
analysed three types of test areas in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Slovenija, representing urban, rural
and high mountain areas. For each type of test area, we analysed two sites in both countries. The analysis
focused on assessing the quality of the following groups of objects: buildings, transport networks and
vegetation. The focus was on both linear and planar elements, which were more difficult and challenging
to analyse. We tested whether the quality of the data depends on the type of area and whether it differs
between the two countries. The results showed different levels of quality between the different types of
test areas. Based on the analysis, we found that the quality of data varies according to the type of test
area, both for areas in Bosnia and Herzegovina and for areas in Slovenia, with even greater differences
observed when comparing the same type of test area in the two countries analysed. The study showed
that the results obtained are partly consistent with other similar studies. However, the key finding is that
the quality of the data in OpenStreetMap depends a lot on the involvement of volunteers in a given area,
and only then on the type of test area.
|
