Open source mapping with OpenLayers and OpenStreetMap

OpenLayers is an open source, pure JavaScript (which means, no server dependencies, wow) map-displaying API, and OpenStreetMap (OSM) is a collaborative maps project.

OpenLayers is described as similar to Google Maps and Microsoft Virtual Earth, in how you can use the API to build rich webpages. Like Google Maps and Virtual Earth also, you can use any map data that is available in JavaScript to render your maps. It supports GeoRSS feeds.

The wiki-like OSM is capable of incredibly rich maps. It allows mappers to track all sorts of stuff like parking areas and potentially even running trails. OSM maps are licensed under a Creative Commons license.

You ought to be able to plug map data from OSM (via HTTP) into OpenLayers, which is really exciting, until I realize how short OSM (and any online maps for that matter) is on Malaysian maps. Jom mapping!