OpenStreetMap (OSM) is an open-source project that provides users with a platform to browse world maps and plan routes, while also offering an extensive read-only API for diverse map data queries, notably through the Overpass API. OSM's data structure is centered around three core elements: nodes, which include latitude and longitude; ways, which are collections of nodes; and relations, which define logical groupings of nodes and ways. Users can explore detailed map features, such as bus stops and pedestrian pathways, by querying OSM data through Overpass QL, a language that allows fetching specific map elements or entire areas using bounding coordinates or tags. The API supports various output formats including JSON, XML, and CSV, and can be integrated with Python using libraries such as requests or overpass-api-python-wrapper for efficient query execution. Additionally, the platform supports advanced querying for elements like public amenities and offers tools like Overpass Turbo for query visualization and other resources for enhancing user experience with map data.