What is MIME type "application/vnd.openstreetmap.data+xml"?

A MIME type is a string that tells browsers and other tools how to handle a particular kind of file.

The MIME type application/vnd.openstreetmap.data+xml signals that the file contains OpenStreetMap data stored in XML format. This format represents geographic information like map nodes, ways, and relations using clear XML tags.

It allows mapping software and editors to exchange and process data in a standard, text-based format. The XML structure makes it easy to parse, transform, and validate with common tools.

Data Interchange: Used for transferring comprehensive map data between systems.
Editing and Analysis: Supports editing and analysis of geospatial features.
Storage and Archival: Ideal for long-term preservation of mapping information.
Integration: Works well with GIS applications and web mapping services.

Files carrying this MIME type are typically saved in formats like OSM (plain XML). They are often compressed using BZ2 or encoded in a binary form as PBF to reduce size during storage or transfer.

For more details on the format and its usage, check the OpenStreetMap Wiki.

Associated file extensions

.bz2, .pbf, .osm

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

When serving content with this MIME type, set the Content-Type header:


    Content-Type: application/vnd.openstreetmap.data+xml

HTML

In HTML, you can specify the MIME type in various elements:


    <a href="file.dat" type="application/vnd.openstreetmap.data+xml">Download file</a>

Server-side (Node.js)

Setting the Content-Type header in Node.js:


    const http = require('http');
    
    http.createServer((req, res) => {
      res.setHeader('Content-Type', 'application/vnd.openstreetmap.data+xml');
      res.end('Content here');
    }).listen(3000);

Associated file extensions

.bz2, .pbf, .osm

FAQ

What is a MIME type?

A MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions) type is a standard that indicates the nature and format of a document, file, or assortment of bytes. MIME types are defined and standardized in IETF's RFC 6838.

MIME types are important because they help browsers and servers understand how to process a file. When a browser receives a file from a server, it uses the MIME type to determine how to display or handle the content, whether it's an image to display, a PDF to open in a viewer, or a video to play.

MIME types consist of a type and a subtype, separated by a slash (e.g., text/html, image/jpeg, application/pdf). Some MIME types also include optional parameters.

How do I find the MIME type for a file?

You can check the file extension or use a file identification tool such as file --mime-type on the command line. Many programming languages also provide libraries to detect MIME types.

Why are multiple MIME types listed for one extension?

Different applications and historical conventions may use alternative MIME identifiers for the same kind of file. Showing them all helps ensure compatibility across systems.