The .osm file format is used to store geographic data from OpenStreetMap (OSM), a collaborative project to create a free, editable map of the world. These files contain information about geographic features such as roads, buildings, points of interest, and land use areas. The data is structured using XML and includes nodes (points with latitude and longitude), ways (ordered lists of nodes representing lines or polygons), and relations (groups of nodes, ways, and other relations that represent more complex features). OSM data is used in a wide variety of applications, including mapping, navigation, geographic analysis, and data visualization. The format is open and well-documented, allowing for easy integration with various software tools and platforms. The data within an OSM file is typically organized hierarchically, with tags providing additional attributes and metadata for each feature. This allows for rich and detailed descriptions of the real world to be captured and shared. Because OSM is a community-driven project, the data is constantly being updated and improved by contributors around the world.