How We Use OpenStreetMap to Build the Bitcoin Map at WeAreBitcoin.org

The Bitcoin Map at WeAreBitcoin.org/map is much more than a simple list of businesses. Behind it is a system that automatically detects Bitcoin-accepting locations, enriches them with useful data, and organizes them so anyone can easily find and use them.

In this article, we explain how the entire process works—from data collection to AI-assisted categorization.

1. Automatic Detection from OpenStreetMap

OpenStreetMap (OSM) is a collaborative global database of locations. Anyone can contribute and mark a business as “Bitcoin-friendly” by adding one of the following attributes:

const TAGS = [
  "payment:bitcoin",
  "payment:lightning",
  "bitcoin",
  "currency:XBT",
];

Our system constantly scans OSM changes using its public API. We detect new locations or updates with any of these tags and import them into our database to begin the enrichment process.

2. Geographic Enrichment

OSM data is often incomplete or poorly structured. That’s why our system runs an automatic validation and enrichment process to add:

• Country
• State or region
• City
• Formatted address
• Consistent coordinates

We do this using reverse geocoding services and our own reference maps to avoid common issues like misspelled countries or missing cities.

3. Semi-Automated Categorization

Once a location has precise geographic data, the next step is to categorize it into a useful group like “food,” “lodging,” “shopping,” etc.

How do we do it?

1. We start by detecting OSM tags such as amenity=restaurant or shop=clothes and match them to our internal categories.
2. If there are no direct matches, we use AI models trained to suggest a category based on the name, description, and other available fields.

This lets us categorize thousands of venues quickly and accurately without relying entirely on manual rules.

4. Moderation and Validation

Before any location appears publicly on the map, it goes through a review process. At this stage:

• We remove duplicates
• Detect obvious errors
• Ensure data consistency

Soon, this process will also include community validation and user reputation tracking.

Why This Approach?

• Global scale: We can detect updates worldwide in real time.
• Open standards: OSM is a community-driven project with no corporate lock-in.
• Flexible and extensible: We can enrich, translate, categorize, and improve the data without restrictions.

What’s Next

We’re working on integrating more data sources, adding user reviews, and enabling verified contributions directly through our platform.

You can help by:

• Adding places at wearebitcoin.org/venues/create
• Contributing to OSM by tagging businesses with any of the tags above
• Reporting errors directly from the map

Conclusion

The Bitcoin Map at WeAreBitcoin.org is not just a list. It’s an open infrastructure that combines community data, internal tools, and automated enrichment so you can find, use, and support real-world Bitcoin adoption around the globe.