Location data just got a major upgrade. A new open dataset contains 72 million points of interest across the globe β€” restaurants, shops, landmarks, hospitals, everything. πŸ—ΊοΈ

This is huge for developers, researchers, and anyone building location-based apps. Previously, comprehensive POI data was locked behind expensive APIs (Google Places, Foursquare). Now there's a free, open alternative.

What's in the data:

  • πŸͺ Businesses (restaurants, retail, services)
  • πŸ›οΈ Landmarks and attractions
  • πŸ₯ Hospitals, clinics, pharmacies
  • 🏫 Schools and universities
  • πŸš‰ Transit stations

The quality varies by region β€” dense in cities, sparse in rural areas. But for most use cases, it's more than enough. Build a food app? Done. Create a travel guide? Easy. Analyze urban development? Perfect.

For Gen Z founders, this is exactly the kind of resource that levels the playing field. Big companies used to have exclusive data advantages. Now you can build competitive products from your dorm room.