Openstreetmap: embedding map in webpage (like Google Maps)

Question

Is there a way to embed/mashup the OpenStreetMap in your page (like the way Google Maps API works)?

I need to show a map inside my page with some markers and allow dragging/zooming around, maybe routing. I suspect there would be some Javascript API for this, but I can't seem to find it.

Searching gets me an API for access to raw map data, but that seems to be more for map editing; besides, working with that would be a heavy task for AJAX.

Answer 1

You need to use some JavaScript stuff to show your map. OpenLayers is the number one choice for this.

There is an example at http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/OpenLayers_Simple_Example and something more advanced at

http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/OpenLayers_Marker

and

http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Openlayers_POI_layer_example

Answer 2

There's now also Leaflet, which is built with mobile devices in mind.

There is a Quick Start Guide for leaflet. Besides basic features such as markers, with plugins it also supports routing using an external service.

For a simple map, it is IMHO easier and faster to set up than OpenLayers, yet fully configurable and tweakable for more complex uses.