We’re updating attribution for OpenStreetMap-based Mapbox maps thanks to feedback on attribution conventions here on the diary and on mailing lists. The new convention on Mapbox maps is to expand attribution by default: collapsed attribution should only be used when attribution becomes unusually long, or screen space is limited. Expect us to roll out these changes over the next couple of weeks, but here is a preview right away.

The entire goal of the Mapbox team’s work with OpenStreetMap is to help make OpenStreetMap the best map, everywhere in the world. We will only be able to achieve this as a community and with open data. Linking maps back to OpenStreetMap is at the heart of growing OpenStreetMap by helping turn map consumers into map contributors. Our goal with these new attribution conventions is only to further improve the connection of the many million users who view Mapbox maps every day to OpenStreetMap.

Here are the new attribution recommendations for all Mapbox maps that are based on OpenStreetMap data.

Expanded attribution

While collapsed attribution wrapped in an info - ⓘ - symbol, works well on small screens, we are now recommending to expand attribution whereever possible. The full attribution line is “© Mapbox © OpenStreetMap” and next to it we recommend an “Improve this map” link leading a user to editing on OpenStreetMap. Another change is that now “© OpenStreetMap” links directly to http://www.openstreetmap.org/copyright, “© Mapbox” continues to link to http://mapbox.com/about/maps listing the full roster of map data we’re using including OpenStreetMap.

Recommended attribution on Mapbox maps. Click to explore.

Collapsed for small maps

We’re recommending this form of attribution for small slippy maps. Here’s an example:

Recommended attribution on small slippy Mapbox maps. Click to explore.

Use these attributions now

Until these attribution recommendations are rolled out on Mapbox.com, here are links to code snippets that already work today: