Welcome to OpenGeofiction!
We are glad you have joined us in this free, open, collaborative mapping project. By signing up, you now have access to edit on the map. Before you begin, however, please take a few moments to review this quick guide of a few important things to know:
| Where can I edit?
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Now that you have signed up, you can begin editing freely in one of the █ blue territories on our overview map. These blue-colored territories are free for all users to edit and governed by guidelines of etiquette. Be sure to leave good edit comments that are descriptions of your upload.
All users are required to begin mapping in blue territories. Once you have some sample mapping to show off, you can ask to join a collaborative project.
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| What programs can I use to edit?
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One of the most convenient ways to begin editing is to use the iD in-browser editor. You can find this by clicking the "edit" link on the top of the map page. Mapping with iD requires that you are at zoom level 16 or higher.
Another way of editing is to download and install the free java-based tool JOSM. This tool is favored by many mappers on this site, because of the increased functionality and numerous add-ons available. For help with setting up JOSM, click here.
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| Common terms and phrases
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Some terms that you will encounter while editing are node, way, area, and tag. A node is a simple point on a map. Ways connect nodes like lines. When a way is makes a closed loop (like a circle or polygon), it is called an area. A tag is kind of like a labeling system for all the things mentioned. Tagging a node as place=town will make sure the mapping renderer recognizes that point as a town. Adding the name tag gives the town its name.
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| Remember our rules! Violating the rules may result in suspension or termination of your account.
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Be realistic
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Be original
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- No imports from OSM. No copying trademarked maps. Doing these things may get you banned.
- No extensive copying of real world geography. Try to avoid using well-known place names, real or fictional. No real world companies or organizations.
- All images — photos and artwork — must be free to use, and must contain a link to source and/or copyright info. All wiki text must be your own writing.
- No copying others' mapping, without their permission.
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Be respectful
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- Show consideration. The admin team are volunteers. Please refer to the FAQ page, the help and resources portal, territory assignment procedures and OSM tagging guides to first attempt self-support. Incomplete or repetitive messages will be ignored and may result in your account being blocked.
- No mapping in others' territories or moving the borders of others' territories without their permission. No writing about others' territories in the wiki without permission.
- Respect the open seas by following the rules for sea borders, islands, and shipping lines. Be careful when editing coastlines to ensure you do not accidentally flood the continent.
- Do not extend your territory beyond its shape on the overview map. For borders with unclaimed neighbors, keep them within 10 km of the original line.
- No sockpuppets. Only one account per user.
- No vandalism. No offensive or insulting content. Consult admin before forming any OGF-related group off-site
- No "empires of paper" in the wiki - avoid overwikification.
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Be active
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- After a prolonged period of inactivity, we may mark your territory for withdrawal. Then, if still no activity happens or we don't otherwise hear from you during the following several weeks, we'll mark the territory as free for other users to claim, and close your account.
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We look forward to seeing what you create. Happy mapping!
