Load PostGIS Database with Initial Geographic Data

There are several ways to populate your geographic database. Choose only one of the following:

• OpenStreetMap “Planet” File

  The OpenStreetMap “Planet” file contains data for the entire planet. This is a large file and can stress computers ( and first-time users ).

• OpenStreetMap “Extract” File

  OpenStreetMap “Extract” files contain the OpenStreetMap data for a single region, usually a single country, state or province. These are more managable than the “Planet” file while still often being substantial.

• OpenStreetMap API Bounding Box

  Smaller areas, sometimes town-sized, can be downloaded through the OpenStreetMap API.

• Postgresql dump file

OpenStreetMap Planet File

Aquire the complete OpenStreetMap database, also called the “planet file” and load it in to the PostGIS database.

Aquire the Planet File

A new “planet” file is published approximately each week. The mirror and archives of the “planet” files are found at http://planet.openstreetmap.org/ . In July 2010 the planet file was about 10GB in length. If you are not interested in the entire planet you can choose to download an extract file instead.

Install the Planet File

Using osm2pgsql or another tool.

OpenStreetMap Extract File

OpenStreetMap Extract files typically include a single country, state or province. They are published periodically by various sites including

• http://download.geofabrik.de/osm/
• http://download.cloudmade.com/
• others

Aquire the Extract File