Originally Posted by
mibike
I agree that OpenStreetMap is very good. I use OSM and also edit it so the areas I ride most are up to date. It's not perfect but nothing is I've never found a map without mistakes plus things change. I'm happier with it then with the Garmin maps. A Garmin GPS will route on bike paths with OSM but not with a Garmin map. I mostly ride road but sometimes a bike path can be a good shortcut, also some of the Brevets I do use some bike trails. If I find an error I can fix it and have an update fast and free. I have found errors on Garmin maps and reported them. They update maps 4 times a year so depending on timing it could be 3+ months for the correction to make it to the map. I must then buy a new map to get the update. I have Garmin maps on my GPS so if I'm in an area I think they are better than OSM I can switch to it.
Yes.
The commercial mappers don't map bicycle paths because there isn't much commercial value in it and because it's more effort (there are two things against paths being included in commercial maps). The money is in maps for motor vehicles.
OSM proves a way for people interested in features that commercial mappers ignore be able to add those features to good maps (that's a really big thing).
Still, if you look at the features both cover, the commercial maps are significantly more complete and accurate (generally; there will always be exceptions). Part of the reason why is that the commercial mappers systematically review their maps. Nothing like that happens in OSM: things are added/updated when some random person has sufficient interest in doing so.
OSM compensates by being free, including "specialty" features, and having a fast update rate.
There isn't any reason for people to be quite happy with the OSM maps.
Note that the Garmin Touring and 1000 come with OSM maps.