josm

Launch JOSM

$ josm

$ josm --maximize

$ josm --language [de]

$ josm --reset-preferences

$ josm --download [minlat,minlon,maxlat,maxlon]

$ josm --downloadgps [minlat,minlon,maxlat,maxlon]

$ josm --skip-plugins

josm [--version] [--help | -?] [--load=<file>] [--download=<minlat>,<minlon>,<maxlat>,<maxlon>] [--download-bbox=<left>,<bottom>,<right>,<top>] [--view=<lat>,<lon>,<zoom>] [files...]

--help, -?
    Display help and exit

--version
    Show version information

--load=<file>
    Load specified .osm file(s) on startup

--download=<minlat>,<minlon>,<maxlat>,<maxlon>
    Download OSM data for bounding box

--download-bbox=<left>,<bottom>,<right>,<top>
    Download using left-bottom-right-top coordinates

--download-nearby=<lat>,<lon>[,<radius>]
    Download nearby data around point

--view=<lat>,<lon>,<zoom>
    Set initial map view

--zoom=<level>
    Set initial zoom level

--selection=<query>
    Select objects matching search query

--check
    Run data validator on startup

--language=<code>
    Set UI language (e.g., en)

--download-imagery=<name>
    Download from specific imagery layer

--reset-preferences
    Reset user preferences

--set=<pref>=<value>
    Set preference value

--plugin=<name>
    Load specific plugin

JOSM (Java OpenStreetMap editor) is a powerful, extensible GUI application for editing OpenStreetMap (OSM) data on Linux, Windows, and macOS.

Written in Java, it allows users to view, edit, and upload GPS traces, vector data, and imagery to OSM servers. Key features include advanced validation tools, support for plugins, aerial imagery integration (e.g., Bing, Mapbox), relation editing, custom presets, and conflict resolution during uploads.

Ideal for experienced mappers, JOSM handles large datasets efficiently with customizable workspaces, keyboard shortcuts, and scripting via Lua. It downloads OSM data via API, supports offline work with .osm files, and includes tools like data checker for errors, imagery offset database, and multipolygon tools.

Command-line invocation launches the GUI with presets like bounding boxes or loaded files, making it scriptable for workflows. Requires Java 11+; memory-intensive for big areas.

Requires Java 11+ installed; GUI-only (no headless mode). Large downloads may timeout or require API access tokens. High memory use for big areas; adjust via -Xmx JVM args. Edits must comply with OSM license.

On Debian/Ubuntu: apt install josm. Flatpak/Snap/AppImage available. Verify Java: java -version.

Extend via Preferences > Plugins: e.g., piclayer, utilsplugin2, contouroverlay. Over 200 available.

Needs OSM API write access; register account at openstreetmap.org. Rate-limited downloads.

Developed since 2006 by Frederik Ramm and Imi Hoxha; now community-maintained via OpenStreetMap Foundation. Major releases add plugins, WMS/WMTS support, and iD-like features. Widely used by 20%+ of OSM editors.

osmosis(1), osmium-tool(1), qgis(1)