What is a .OSC file?
An OSC file is a type of data file specifically used with OpenStreetMap, which is a project aimed at creating and providing a freely editable map of the world. The ".OSC" stands for OpenStreetMap Change file. This file format is used to store changes or differences between two versions of OpenStreetMap data files, which are saved with the .OSM extension.
The content inside an OSC file is formatted in XML, making it readable both by humans and machines. This XML data details the modifications, additions, or deletions between two OpenStreetMap (.OSM) files, helping users track and manage updates to map data.
To work with OSC files, you can use several specialized tools: 1. **OpenStreetMap Osmosis** - This is a command-line Java application for processing OSM data. It can be used to generate OSC files by comparing two OSM files or to apply changes from an OSC file to an OSM file. 2. **Osmium** - A fast and flexible C++ library for working with OSM data that includes tools for creating and applying OSC files. 3. **osmconvert** - A tool to convert and process OpenStreetMap data files, capable of creating OSC files by comparing different versions of OSM data. 4. **Java OpenStreetMap Editor (JOSM)** - While primarily an editor for OSM files, JOSM can also handle OSC files for reviewing and applying changes to map data.
Additionally, because OSC files are XML-based, they can be opened and edited with any basic text editor like Notepad on Windows, TextEdit on macOS, or more advanced code editors like Microsoft Visual Studio Code. This allows for manual inspection or modifications if necessary.
Understanding and using OSC files is particularly useful for contributors to the OpenStreetMap project. These files help manage the frequent updates made to the map by its global community of users. Each day, new OSC files are generated and published by OpenStreetMap, summarizing the daily changes made to the map. Contributors can download these daily OSC files to update their local OSM files, ensuring they are working with the most current data.
In summary, OSC files are essential for managing updates in OpenStreetMap data, allowing users to see and apply changes efficiently. They can be opened and processed using specific OSM tools or any general text editor capable of handling XML files.
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