OpenStreetMap (OSM) is like Wikipedia for maps. It's built by the community using aerial imagery, GSP devices, or existing public domain maps. The maps can be viewed or edited online in a browser, or using various apps.

The main advantages over Google Maps is that the maps:

• are more up-to-date
• have more trails
• have lots of different layers
• can be used offline

• Viewing the Maps: osm.org or openstreetmap.org
• App for Android, iPhone, Linux: https://organicmaps.app
• Editing Info: https://wiki.openstreetmap.org

One advantage of OSM is that maps get updated more quickly than Google Maps . For example, here's a new street that I added in Gibsons over a month ago:

There are also a lot more trails in OSM than Google Maps. Here's the golf course and Cliff Gilker park in Roberts Creek:

OSM also has different layers, which highlight different information. For example, the CycleOSM and Cycle Map add topographical information, and public GPS traces uploaded by the community can be added to any layer.

The biggest advantage (from an emergency preparedness perspective) is that OSM can be used offline using various apps.