OpenStreetMap is a very exciting and vibrant project aiming to make accessing geographic data easier. Our research group at the Department of Computer Science NUI Maynooth Ireland is carrying out research into a broad range of topics including: map data generalisation, geographic shape complexity, web map services, map-based interface for pedestrian navigation. One of the common themes across this research is the use of OpenStreetMap as the principal source of geospatial data. In this paper we describe how our research productivity, research collaboration, and general data interoperability have been greatly enhanced from our early adoption of a fully open source GIS approach to working with OpenStreetMap. While one can work successfully with OpenStreetMap in non-Open Source environments the flexibility offered by an open source approach is a major advantage. This flexibility is delivered in many flavours including: a wide choice of software, inter-connectability of software packages and components, a wide network of support through documentation, message boards, and free and open exchange of ideas.