Overture is a collaborative open-data initiative led by software developers, data experts, cartographic engineers, and product managers from dozens of Overture Maps Foundation member companies. Since our launch in December 2022, Overture members have been working toward a shared vision: to create reliable, user-friendly, and interoperable open map data that supports both current and future map products. We envision a world where shared, open base layers drive collaboration and innovation across industries and communities.
To achieve this, Overture’s core contributors have been developing our common schema, datasets, platform, and system of unique, stable IDs known as GERS. Member companies contribute data and engineering expertise to enable the creation of global datasets that are accurate, comprehensive, and regularly updated to reflect changes in the world. By combining multiple data sources and fostering cross-company collaboration, we are able to achieve results no single organization could accomplish alone.
The project is organized into two core working groups (WGs): Map Data and Schema. These WGs oversee various task forces (TFs) focused on developing specific data themes and addressing technical challenges. Senior engineers from member companies lead the WGs and TFs, supported by Overture staff.
Overture releases its datasets and schema monthly under open data licenses, making them accessible to the global community.
