How to contribute to the geocaching maps?

[+cache_n_out]

Hi,

I've noticed that the geocaching trail maps are quite extensive.   Where do they come from?   How can I contribute gpx tracks to them?  It's great to see them on the app and on the online maps.

 

Thanks,

 

cache_n-Out

[+StefandD]

I believe they are based on OpenStreetMap.

 

https://www.openstreetmap.org/

[+Hügh]

They are indeed:

 

[+Viajero Perdido]

Changes made to OSM will show up on the Geocaching maps after a few months.  If you use some of the other OSM-based maps (there are many), they often show up sooner.  The OSM Default map shows changes almost instantly because that one exists to support mappers.

 

May I recommend, you upload your GPX tracks using OSM's "GPS Traces" feature.  This places them into a "holding area" of sorts, where they're visible to mappers, and one of those mappers (could be you) eventually uses those traces, maybe in combination with satellite view, to update or create the version people see on the map.

 

I don't recommend uploading GPX tracks directly into the map, because 1. it may duplicate a trail someone else mapped yesterday, and 2. they usually need smoothing and editing-out of caching stops, etc.  But multiple copies of a trail in the "GPS Traces" feature is good; the more tracks you see, the better you can draw a path through the average of them all.