OpenStreetMap Sets State of the Map 2026 for Paris
The open mapping community's annual assembly returns as a hybrid event in August 2026, backed by TomTom and Michelin.
The OpenStreetMap (OSM) community has announced that the State of the Map (SotM) 2026 conference will take place from August 28 to 30, 2026. The event serves as the primary annual assembly for users and mappers dedicated to the world's free, editable geographic database.
Scheduled for the Cité Descartes in Champs-sur-Marne, Paris, France, the conference will utilize a hybrid format. This approach allows for physical attendance in Paris while providing global access through online live streams. The program is expected to include a series of technical talks, hands-on workshops, and discussion rounds centered on the open mapping ecosystem. Support for the event is anchored by platinum sponsors TomTom and the Michelin Mapping Factory & AI Lab.
The Role of Open Mapping
State of the Map functions as the central hub for the OSM project, a collaborative effort to build a comprehensive and open-source geographic database. Because the project relies on a global network of volunteers, these conferences are critical for community coordination and technical innovation. They provide a venue where developers and mappers share how open data is applied across diverse industries, from commercial navigation to urban planning.
Industry Implications
The involvement of major geospatial players like TomTom and Michelin underscores the increasing reliance of the private sector on open-source data. Specifically, the sponsorship from Michelin’s AI Lab suggests that the 2026 event will likely explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and open mapping. As AI continues to reshape how geographic data is processed and updated, the collaboration between community-driven data and corporate AI research becomes a pivotal driver for the industry.
According to TomTom, the event creates a unique environment where local knowledge meets global impact, allowing ideas to evolve into collaborations that benefit the broader OSM ecosystem.
Looking Ahead
As the 2026 date approaches, the community will look for further details on the specific themes and call-for-proposals. While the venue and dates are confirmed, the full agenda of workshops and the specific focus of the AI-driven discussions remain to be detailed. The event will continue to highlight how open-source geospatial data supports critical global infrastructure, including humanitarian efforts and sustainable urban development.