Extracting Road Network Data from OpenStreetMap in AirWorks

AirWorks allows you to extract road network data within a user-defined area using OpenStreetMap (OSM) under the Open Database License. This guide explains how to generate a KML file and select road types for extraction.


Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Draw Your Area of Interest

    • Use the polygon tool to select the region for road network extraction.

  2. Set Buffer Distance

    • Specify a buffer distance (e.g., 60 ft) to expand the search around your drawn area.

  3. Select Road Types

    • Check/uncheck the road types you wish to include in your export:



Road Type

Description

OSM Documentation

Motorway

High-speed, restricted-access highways (e.g., freeways).

Motorway

Primary

Major roads connecting large towns/cities.

Primary

Secondary

Important roads, but less critical than primary.

Secondary

Tertiary

Roads linking smaller settlements or local centers.

Tertiary

Residential

Roads in housing areas with low speed limits.

Residential

Unclassified

Minor public roads, often rural.

Unclassified

Trunk

Key non-motorway highways (e.g., national routes).

Trunk

  1. Generate KML File

  2. Click Continue to create a line-string KML file of the selected road network.


Screenshot 2025-06-30 at 09.48.24.png


What is the buffer distance?

The buffer extends the search beyond your drawn polygon (e.g., 60 ft ensures roads near the edges are included).

Which road types should I select?

  • For urban areas: Prioritize Primary, Secondary, Tertiary, Residential.

  • For highways: Include Motorway and Trunk.

  • For rural areas: Add Unclassified.

Data License

Data is sourced from OpenStreetMap and is available under the Open Database License (ODbL).