Spatial Stack with Matt Forrest #32: Why Meta Is Betting Big on Open Maps
Dec 4, 2025
Said Turksever, a geomapping engineer at Meta, is on a mission to reshape global navigation through open mapping. He explains why Meta prioritizes open data and how it revolutionizes map accessibility. From utilizing AI to streamline mapping workflows to improving pedestrian navigation in cities like Naples, he shares fascinating insights. Collaboration with communities is key, as evidenced by partnerships that expanded sidewalk data. Said also highlights the role of mapping in disaster response and encourages listeners to contribute to community mapping initiatives.
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Open Data Is Core To Meta's Mapping
- Meta builds an in-house global map by investing in open data like OpenStreetMap and Overture Maps layers.
- Open data scales better than closed sources for billion-user products and leverages active community maintenance.
Combine AI Predictions With Human Validation
- Use AI-assisted editing tools to let human mappers validate and finalize predictions instead of drawing everything manually.
- Empower communities with tasking managers that point to high-priority tiles and predicted missing features.
Pedestrian Data Unlocks Wide Use Cases
- Target pedestrian infrastructure (sidewalks, crosswalks) to unlock many downstream use cases like accessible routing and walkability analysis.
- Rich pedestrian data enables both consumer navigation and urban research tools.