Tagging for the Unhoused

Posted by Loopslol7 on 14 August 2026 in English.

Hi guys.

I would like to emphasize the benefit that the micromapping of certain features can contribute to unhoused communities. Of course, there still needs to be more awareness of OSM within these communities, but the data being there is great for the future and making the map more useful.

Tagging if the seats on benches are separated or not allows people to know where they are able to lay down and thus sleep if they don’t have access to other places to sleep. The tag seats:separated=yes/no is used for this purpose. Ive been adding this to every bench I map. Tagging benches that are not separated is just as important as tagging benches that are.

Drinking water is needed for all humans to live. Knowing where the nearest water fountain is, or the nearest convenience store that will let you fill up a water bottle from their fountain drink dispensers, can be super useful and help when times are tough. Consider looking out for drinking fountains at parks and other public places.

Hope you got something from this, happy mapping and I hope you have a nice day.

Discussion

Comment from greatnameguys2472 on 17 August 2026 at 15:49

Neat, I bet that could be pretty helpful info

Comment from Loopslol7 on 18 August 2026 at 01:33

Thank you! I think it can be very helpful in the right circumstances :)

Comment from Trees345 on 18 August 2026 at 12:55

Your mapping of benches and drinking water availability is very good.

Comment from Loopslol7 on 21 August 2026 at 04:34

Thank you Trees345 :)

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