.OSM File Extension

OpenStreetMap Map

Developer OpenStreetMap
Popularity
3.8  |  39 Votes
 

What is an OSM file?

An OSM file is a street map saved in the OpenStreetMap (OSM) format. It contains XML-formatted data in the form of "nodes" (points), "ways" (connections), and "relations" (street and object properties, such as tags).

More Information

Screenshot of a .osm file in Java OpenStreetMap Editor
OSM file open in Java OpenStreetMap Editor

OpenStreetMap is a global collaborative project that maintains a free, up-to-date planetary map. This map, which is named planet.osm and available for download online, shows streets, geography, landmarks, and other items of interest.

Planet.osm contains a lot of data, so it is an incredibly large file. Users who want to work with smaller sections of planet.osm's data can do so by exporting only that portion of the file from OpenStreetMap.org. For example, a user who wants to export a map of their city can zoom in on their city in OpenStreetMap.org and select Export. OpenStreetMap.org will then produce a map.osm file that contains the map shown on the user's screen. Users can also download more targeted OSM files from supporting FTP sites, which are linked from OpenStreetMap.org.

Common OSM Filenames

Planet.osm - The name of OpenStreetMap's complete street database.

Map.osm - The default name assigned to maps downloaded using OpenStreetMap.org's Export tool.

How to open an OSM file

You can open an OSM file in many mapping and GIS programs, to view, mark up, and edit the map the file contains. For example, you can open an OSM file in Java OpenStreetMap Editor (multiplatform), QGIS (multiplatform), or Merkaartor (multiplatform).

Open over 400 file formats with File Viewer Plus.Free Download

Programs that open or reference OSM files

Verified by FileInfo.com

The FileInfo.com team has independently researched the OpenStreetMap Map file format and Mac, Windows, and Linux apps listed on this page. Our goal is 100% accuracy and we only publish information about file types that we have verified.

If you would like to suggest any additions or updates to this page, please let us know.