An Algorithm to Simplify OpenStreetMap Street Networks

Active transportation (AT), like walking and cycling, is crucial for public health, sustainability, and community well-being. Accurate street network representations are key for AT research but can be challenging to obtain, especially at scale or across cities. Our study introduces a practical method to improve OpenStreetMap (OSM) data for AT analysis by addressing inconsistencies and complexity. The approach filters out unsuitable roads, corrects topological errors, and merges lane polylines into single centerlines, creating a simplified OSM data (SOD) network. Validated in Turin, Tel Aviv, and San Francisco with success rates of 80–85%, the SOD network integrates seamlessly with geospatial tools, enabling more effective urban AT planning.