That’s like questioning why Germans make the best cars, apple strudel and spaetzle, but I digress.
I invite you to read a quick blog by Jochen Topf on his though on why the Germans are so kick-ass.
When it comes down to it, there are many reasons why the Germans make greatOpenStreetMap mappers, and here’s my take on it and how we can correlate it to our US communities:
My Truck is Bigger Than Your Truck Syndrome (MTBTYT)
Germany is a relatively rich country, with people who like to buy the latest and greatest gadget because they can, not because they have to. So a GPS is a no brainer when it comes to having the best toy before one’s neighbor does. And to still stay ahead in the ‘biggest and best toy’ competition, they continue by mapping their community first and the most in depth. Take a look here for proof! *
We can definitely learn from this example by instilling a competitive nature with thy neighbor… go out and get the most tech-geeked out GPS you can find and start adding the most Points of Interest before Ned the Neighbor beats you to it!
Join a Local Community Chapter
Germany has a high population density (especially compared to the US) with established communities like stammtisch that folks might have been attending since they were a kid in sweaky hightops (see 7 years old). This sense of community equals a sense of duty, belonging and pride.
Americans are joiners too! Does AA count in the US? No, seriously folks, there are great organizations out there that need your support! And best of all, I bet you can find one that fits you to a tee. Linux group anyone? How about a hiking club? Cycling club– meet new folks who like to ride almost as much as you do (I mean you, crazy 100 mile rider). All of these groups have one thing in common. OpenStreetMap! Yessiree, the Linux folks are tied via the OpenSource community, a hiking and cycling groups need to know where they’re going, and better yet, put their favorite rides and trails on a free map!
Free as in Beer AND Free as in Speech
Germans ‘get’ beer. Take a look at the Oktoberfest. AND they ‘get’ what Open Source is all about and don’t question why they might need a project like OSM.
Well Americans want the best of both worlds… so companies like CloudMadesponsor OpenStreetMap events here in the States that do just that. These mapping parties are fun, informative, social and generally include a frosty brew at the end of a long day of mapping. On a serious note though, there is much talk about the free map revolution and how you can help!
Last thoughts…
I still think it has to do with the Germans being second (only to the US) in Olympic medal counts… MTBTYT seems to be global….
*this is satire and my comments are meant to be snarked at not taken seriously. Danke 
