Note: You must create a (free) user account with OSM (OpenStreetMap) and be
logged in before you can perform edits.

Tracing from satellite images: simple road and path additions

1) Go to http://www.openstreetmap.org/ and use the zoom control on left side of the screen to zoom in on the area in which you want to make updates/edits.  Make sure you zoom in far enough to see the map details.

2) Click on “Edit” tab – the satellite view opens. Now, identify the street(s) or path(s) you want to add to the map. Content already included in the OSM database is overlaid on top of the satellite image.

3) Use the drawing tool to trace a path along the street or path you are adding. Click once for each point and double click to end your path. If you make a mistake click the back arrow at the bottom left of the screen or press the “z” on your keyboard. You can also press the “Esc” key to clear all the points.

Tip: Click the check box icon in the lower left to open map options including the background.
Choose the OSM-Cycle Map or the Open Topo Map for a topographic map background.

Existing features can also be moved or edited in this view. Use the details box in the lower left to classify the feature (primary road, secondary road, residential road, etc.). If you are adding a path not intended for automobiles, click the car icon to toggle to different classes (biking, pedestrian, boating, skiing, etc.). You can also use this tool to add a name to the feature if applicable.

4) When you click off your new path, it is automatically uploaded to the OSM server. It may take 1-2 days before it shows up on the main map for everyone to see, so please be patient.

Tracing GPX files created with MotionX-GPS:

1) From MotionX-GPS, email the track you wish to add to OSM to yourself and save the attached GPX file to a directory on your computer.

2) Log into OSM and click on the “GPS Traces” tab at the top of the page. Browse for your GPX file location, provide a brief description, then upload. After uploading it may take up to several hours for your track to become available (depending on server traffic), but often it’s available within a few minutes. Select the Edit link. This will overlay the track on a satellite view.

3) Trace over the track, clicking point-by-point to capture all the detail. Use the details box on the bottom left to define the track type. Click off the track and it will automatically be uploaded to the OSM database. It may take 1-2 days before it shows up on the main map for everyone to see, so please be patient.

Edit Panel Key:

General info:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OpenStreetMap

Official OSM information on editing:
http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/FAQ#Editing
http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Beginners_Guide_1.3.2