New OSM file format: 30% smaller than PBF, 5x faster to import

Hacker NewsFriday, October 24, 2025 at 10:23:50 PM
PositiveTechnology
A new file format for OpenStreetMap (OSM) has been introduced, boasting a 30% reduction in size compared to the previous PBF format and offering five times faster import speeds. This advancement is significant as it enhances the efficiency of data handling for developers and users alike, making it easier to work with geographic data. The improvements could lead to faster updates and better performance in applications relying on OSM data, ultimately benefiting the broader community.
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