In 2010, I first conducted a study which identified regions (places) in the OpenStreetMap (OSM) project in Germany that still had potential for more detailed mapping. Later, in 2016, this analysis was repeated and extended to the entire world. I have since regularly carried out these studies and published the results. The algorithm and some more details are documented in an earlier blog post of mine.

For the year 2024, I have recalculated this analysis and published the results on my website: “Unmapped Places of OpenStreetMap”. For the study, the OSM Planet File in PBF format from Dec. 7th was used. It can be downloaded here.

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Rapid v2.5 released today!

Happy Festivus from the Rapid Team! Today we released v2.5 of the Rapid editor for OpenStreetMap just in time for the “Feats of Strength” 💪

Here’s 4 new features that we’re really proud of!…

🧚‍♂️ Pixi v8 Upgrade!

We upgraded Rapid’s render to use the latest version of PixiJS game engine. This version gives Rapid a welcome performance boost - if you’ve aired any grievances about Rapid being laggy, the new Rapid should perform much better for you!

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Ah, State of the Map! The pinnacle annual gathering of our own kind, where we, the OSM community, come together to exchange insights, celebrate achievements, and explore the latest advancements in technology.

How was my experience overall, you may ask? Eight days of relentless effort—rushing between offices to complete my passport and visa, and spending countless hours traveling on various modes of transport—just to attend a weekend-long conference. Was it worth it? Absolutely, without a doubt! In fact, I’d gladly go through it all again in a heartbeat.

This experience was nothing short of incredible. It was a joy and privilege to finally meet Mikko Tamura, Honey Fombuena, Harry Mahardhika, Nama Raj Budhathoki from HOT, and so many other inspiring individuals from the Bangladesh and Nepal OSM communities, as well as the vibrant YouthMappers network. Their boundless energy, unwavering passion for improving OpenStreetMap (OSM), and commitment to encouraging mass adoption left a profound impression on me.

Connecting with them wasn’t just about OSM; it was about engaging with a group of extraordinary people whose enthusiasm and vision resonate deeply. Their drive to create positive change is quite something, and I am more motivated than ever to channel that same spirit into my own initiatives in the near future.

The weekend wasn’t just a conference—it was a gathering of minds, a celebration of shared purpose, and an unforgettable opportunity to be part of a community that genuinely inspires. I am immensely grateful for every moment of it.

I’ve been mapping in Alaska for quite some time now, with a specific interest in mapping national parks, forests, and other protected areas. It has become apparent to me that much of the state, with the exception of southeast Alaska, lacks sufficient hydrographic data in the map. I’ve been working on chipping away at this problem intermittently, adding lakes and named waterways. However, given the size of interior Alaska’s national and state parks, attempting large scale additions by hand would be prohibitively time consuming.

I’ve gained a good deal of familiarity over the years with the software needed to perform an import of USGS National Hydrographic Dataset data to fill this gap. My current idea is to download the needed NHD dataset from the USGS website, convert it to .shp in QGIS, delete all tags from the data and split it to smaller files. I would then load the raw shapes into JOSM using the opendata plugin and add tags manually. I would avoid conflicts with existing data by loading it into the editor prior to loading the .shp, thus allowing me to integrate the data more seamlessly.

I am aware that it is customary to receive community buy in before beginning an import project. I’ve run into some confusion on this as Alaska has a very small OSM community that is not well established. I could contact a few mappers individually, but I am not sure if that alone would satisfy the need for community buy in.

I’m curious as to what input people have on this

I have not participated in so many State of the Map conferences, only in two LATAM conferences, the first one being Sao Paulo in 2016, historical for me since the Geochicas were founded on this occasion and the following year in 2017 in Lima. I also participated in a Global conference in Milan (2018).

These conferences have seemed fundamental to me because of the links they generate, strengthen and activate. The OSM universe has a remote reality where in a somewhat miraculous way very strong human bonds of friendship, collaboration, emulation, creation, where it is possible to generate governance issues, where it is possible to build agendas and develop them. However, the face-to-face coexistence brings to this an additional unfailing strength: the friends we make at the State of the Map conferences remain forever. In addition, obviously, we discover themes, ways of impacting reality thanks to collaborative mapping, we update ourselves, we connect with people, companies, institutions and we all grow together.

That powerful sub-communities like Geochicas have emerged stimulated by one of these conferences is telling, Geochicas now being recognized globally for the actions and leadership it builds, and for what it manages to bring to the open technology communities of the geospatial world.

By connecting with people at these conferences, we also build bridges between national and regional communities allowing individuals to bring valuable knowledge in other contexts. I think of my connection with Jorge PB from Cuba, from SOTM Sao Paulo, which has led me to participate in other conferences in Cuba contributing there, I hope, some grain of sand.

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O capítulo YouthMappers UFRJ relembra suas atividades desenvolvidas em 2024 e agradece aos seus parceiros e colaboradores

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Retrospective of the YouthMappers UFRJ chapter activities in 2024 and thanks to our partners and collaborators

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   English below ;)

Aqui estão apenas alguns dos destaques…

Nosso capítulo completou 1 ano de existência em maio de 2024 e continuamos a pleno vapor, com atividades abertas de mapeamento e de capacitação em OpenStreetMap. Neste ano, incorporamos o uMap no curso básico de OSM, a fim de oferecer mais recursos para quem nos acompanha. Somente em 2024, foram realizadas 17 oficinas e emitidos 700 certificados.

O nosso projeto é registrado como uma ação de extensão na Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro - UFRJ (Brasil) e conta com a coordenação técnica do Instituto Virtual para o Desenvolvimento Sustentável - IVIDES.org e dos laboratórios Espaço e GeoCart da UFRJ, além das parcerias externas com demais laboratórios do estado do RJ e demais grupos do HUB YouthMappers Rio de Janeiro.

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Venha fazer parte desta história! Conheça mais sobre esta iniciativa e veja a galeria de memórias:

https://ivides.org/youthmappers-ufrj

Agradecemos aos alunos e às alunas, aos professores e às professoras e demais profissionais e colegas, que têm se dedicado ao mapeamento colaborativo.

Estimamos boas festas e feliz 2025! 🌎

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From the day I heard about the program, I was eager to participate in this international conference in my homeland. The venue, Cox’s Bazar, was another triggering factor of enthusiasm for me. Moreover, I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to participate in a State of the Map Asia conference.

Though I come from a coastal area of Bangladesh, I have never been to the Cox’s Bazar. So. the excitement to journey with my fellow chapter members was beyond description. Though I attended only one day of the conference, the day was full of gaining knowledge and experience and making new connections. Many types of people were at the conference, ranging from students to experts and specialists in different sectors.

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The Proud Moment as a Bangladeshi

My excitement was extremely high since I had come to know that this year’s State of the Map Asia would take place in the beautiful setting of Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh for the very first time. SotM Asia 2024 had let us acquaint the people from all over Asia with our country’s culture, heritage, natural beauty, and the tradition of hospitality. The co-events – State of the Map Bangladesh, YouthMappers Bangladesh Summit, HOT Open Summit – surely added extra colours to the main event. I was eager to witness this proud moment being present at the conference doing any sort of adjustments needed to my existing schedule.

The Uncertainty & Risks

As my final exams coincided with the event, my participation became uncertain. But as I mentioned before, my willingness to make adjustments to my schedule and comfort made my participation happen somehow. As a result, I could ensure my presence only on the second day of the event – 1 December 2024. I started my journey from Dhaka on 30 November night as I had an exam on that day and reached Cox’s Bazar very early next morning. Then, I attended the conference for the whole day and again left for Dhaka in the evening of the same day. Upon reaching Dhaka on 2 December morning, I again sat for another exam. That is how my trip was designed with so much risks as I was not ready to miss this historic event!

All the Hassle Was Worth It

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I am @SantiViajaSimplemente to see the pictures… Now in Colombia after 86 countries

Introduction

During the COVID-19 pandemic, like many others, I found myself immersed in online classes and scrolling through social media during breaks. One day, I stumbled across OpenStreetMap (OSM), and my journey with this incredible platform began out of sheer curiosity. Little did I know that this discovery would eventually lead me to the State of the Map Asia 2024 conference—my first-ever conference application. I cannot express the joy I felt when both my presentation and I were selected to be part of this esteemed event. Though I received only a partial scholarship, I was determined to make it to Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. Traveling from Nepal, we were a group of four. I had already booked my flight, which departed from Delhi, while my friends flew directly from Kathmandu.

The Journey to Cox’s Bazar

The journey wasn’t without its challenges. I had a tight three-hour transit in Dhaka to catch my domestic flight to Cox’s Bazar. However, my international flight faced delays, and applying for a visa on arrival meant standing in a long queue. Fearing I might miss my next flight, I humbly requested the visa officer to expedite my process. Time was of the essence, so I couldn’t exchange currency or get a local SIM card. With only minutes to spare, I dashed to the domestic terminal, relieved to find that my domestic flight was also delayed by an hour. I was informed by Sawan Sir that I would meet Hasna Heena and Fazle Rabbi at the airport, which comforted me as they were on the same flight. True to their reputation, the lovely couple warmly welcomed me, helped me exchange currency, and ensured I felt at home upon reaching the hotel.

First Impressions

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This is my first major mapping project on OpenStreetMap, and I’m calling it the StephenvilleTX Project. I’ve been spending a lot of time refining the roads and overall layout of the city, and it’s been both an exciting and challenging experience. One of my main goals is to improve overall road accuracy before moving on to fine-tuning the local businesses and points of interest.

To help ensure precise positioning, I recently took a drive around Stephenville with my GPS running.
My recent GPS trace helps align the map more accurately than just relying on satellite imagery. Capturing these traces, along with taking my own photos, has been a rewarding challenge, even if it’s hard not to nitpick over every last pixel of road placement.

On the technical side, I’m still learning to navigate JOSM. The learning curve is definitely steep, but I’m enjoying the process and feeling more confident every day. My prior experience doing DoorDash and Lyft around town has given me a strong sense of Stephenville’s geography, and it’s been a huge help in knowing where to refine details and ensure data accuracy.

If any other mappers are working in this area, I’d be happy to collaborate. Need fresh GPS traces or specific location photos? Just let me know. I’m excited to continue improving the map together and creating something that truly reflects the city’s layout and character!

A Memorable Experience

When I received the news about the State of the Map Asia 2024 in Cox’s Bazar, I was filled with excitement. I was traveling from Chattogram to Cox’s Bazar for this conference was a new adventure. As a Campus Ambassador for the University of Chittagong and a representative of the CUSS YouthMappers Chapter, attending this event was a great honor. The accommodation scholarship I received allowed me to stay at Hotel Prime Park, making the entire experience even more special.

The Journey Begins

The journey from Chattogram to Cox’s Bazar on November 29th was filled with excitement and anticipation. I traveled with one of my friends and three juniors, all of whom were equally excited. Along the way, the scenic beauty of the surroundings made the trip more enjoyable, and we couldn’t help but look forward to what awaited us in Cox’s Bazar. Upon arrival, we were welcomed by the warm hospitality of our hosts, and everything went smoothly. The city of Cox’s Bazar, with its stunning 120 km-long beach, was unlike anything I had ever seen before. The beauty of the sea and the peaceful atmosphere left me in awe, and we made sure to capture some special moments, including drone shots of the beach, thanks to Krishna Prashad Mondal Dada. The entire trip, both to and from Cox’s Bazar, was truly an enjoyable experience.

The Conference Experience

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On November 30 and December 1, 2024, the breathtaking shores of Cox’s Bazar played host to an extraordinary gathering of mapping enthusiasts, community leaders, and changemakers at State of the Map Asia 2024! This landmark event brought together the OpenStreetMap community to celebrate achievements, share knowledge, and drive the open mapping movement forward. Here’s a glimpse into what we accomplished together:

Event Highlights

💡 02 Keynote Sessions: We were inspired by two visionary keynote speakers who shared powerful insights and sparked meaningful conversations about the future of open mapping. Their perspectives served as a catalyst for fresh ideas and bold innovations.

🔊 31 Lightning Talks: These bite-sized presentations delivered bursts of inspiration, highlighting unique stories and experiences from mappers across Asia and beyond. Each talk was a testament to the diversity and creativity of our community.

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The Excitement Begins

When I first received the email confirming my scholarship to attend State of the Map Asia 2024 in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, I was overjoyed. It was my first international travel experience, and to make it even more special, it was my first time attending a State of the Map conference. The excitement was real, but so were the nerves. The initial thrill was soon followed by a whirlwind of preparations—official paperwork, visa applications, currency exchanges, and everything in between. At one point, I found myself wondering how I would manage this journey to a faraway country where I didn’t know anyone. But those thoughts soon eased when I knew that some of my friends would be traveling with me. Knowing I wouldn’t be alone made me feel calmer and even more excited for the adventure ahead.

The Journey

The trip to Bangladesh and the onward journey to Cox’s Bazar were incredible, thanks to the warm hospitality of our Bangladeshi friends. They ensured that everything went smoothly, making the entire experience comfortable and enjoyable. Cox’s Bazar was unlike anything I had ever seen before. Coming from a landlocked country, getting a close view of the sea for the first time was simply mesmerizing. The beaches stretched endlessly, and the beauty of the waves crashing against the shore left me in awe. Exploring the city and visiting tourist attractions added an unforgettable charm to my trip.

The Conference Experience

The State of the Map Asia 2024 conference was everything I had hoped for and more. The sessions were packed with valuable insights, showcasing the diverse ways OpenStreetMap (OSM) data is being used across Asia. I attended presentations that highlighted innovative projects from the private sector, government, and civil society, and learned about real-world applications of OSM in humanitarian efforts and disaster risk reduction. The attendees were of every age group from students to experts.

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Cox’s Bazar, the breathtaking coastal city of Bangladesh, recently hosted the State of the Map Asia 2024 conference. For me, as an enthusiastic mapper, participating in this event was nothing short of a dream come true.

From the moment I entered the venue, I could feel the vibrant energy of the OSM community. The conference brought together passionate mappers, developers, and humanitarian workers, all united by their dedication to open geospatial data. The diversity among attendees—ranging from seasoned experts to curious newcomers—was a testament to how OSM truly belongs to everyone.

The talks, presentations, and workshops stood out as the heart of the event. Participants shared innovative ideas and showcased how OSM is addressing a wide array of societal challenges. These stories of success, coupled with best practices from various communities, highlighted the platform’s versatility and its potential for driving meaningful change.

Equally inspiring were the contributions of the sponsors, who not only supported the conference but also offered valuable insights into how OSM is applied in diverse industries. Their perspectives reinforced the idea that OSM is not just for mappers—it’s a tool for anyone aiming to understand and improve the world.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the conference was connecting with people from across Asia. Despite being an introvert, the friendly and inclusive atmosphere encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and embrace the sense of community. Every conversation, whether formal or casual, enriched my understanding and reinforced that OSM is as much about collaboration as it is about mapping.

A highlight of the event was the Open Mapping Guru Dinner, an evening filled with meaningful interactions, shared experiences, and celebrations of the collaborative OSM spirit. It was a perfect reminder of how strong and inspiring the global OSM community truly is.

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Charting New Paths: Insights from SotM Asia 2024

This year, I had the opportunity to attend State of the Map Asia (SotM Asia 2024) in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. While I had previously attended the SotM Global conference, SotM Asia provided a unique and inspiring experience that deepened my engagement with the OpenStreetMap (OSM) community. The conference brought together passionate mappers from all over, each contributing their expertise to solve real-world problems using geospatial data.

As a speaker at SotM Asia, I shared insights on how OSM is being used to improve accessibility to essential services, particularly for women in marginalized communities. The conversations that followed were both thought-provoking and affirming, showing how mapping can be a powerful tool for addressing gender-specific issues.

The workshops and sessions at the conference were incredibly valuable. I gained new perspectives on how emerging technologies are transforming mapping and how they can be applied to address complex challenges. These experiences inspired me to think creatively about the tools and methods I can incorporate into my own work, particularly in my ongoing projects.

Beyond the sessions and workshops, the conference was an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals. From casual conversations over coffee to the camaraderie at the OM GURU dinner, I was reminded of the importance of community in the open mapping movement. The connections made here will continue to inspire and motivate me as I work on future mapping projects.

Reflecting on SotM Asia 2024, I am deeply inspired to continue my work in the OSM community and beyond. The event reaffirmed the transformative potential of mapping and reinforced my belief in its power to create a more connected, resilient world. I look forward to carrying these lessons into my ongoing work, including the WASH initiative in Birendranagar.

Acknowledgments

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This year, I had the incredible opportunity to attend State of the Map (SotM) 2024, the global conference of the OpenStreetMap (OSM) community, held in the vibrant city of Nairobi, Kenya. As one of the travel grant winners, generously supported by the OpenStreetMap Foundation, this experience marked a significant milestone in my mapping journey. It was my first time at SotM, and I was beyond excited to connect with mappers, developers, and enthusiasts from across the world.

The highlight of my participation was co-presenting the topic “OSM: Spectrum” alongside my fellow mapper Pragya Pant. Together, we shared insights into the diversity of mapping practices in Nepal and the importance of inclusivity within the OSM ecosystem. It was truly empowering to showcase our work on a global platform and engage in meaningful conversations with the audience. The support and enthusiasm we received were incredibly motivating and reinforced the value of collaboration within the mapping community.

One of the most memorable aspects of the conference was meeting so many individuals I had previously interacted with online. Seeing these familiar faces in person was both surreal and heartwarming. The conference served as a bridge, turning virtual connections into tangible friendships. I had the chance to meet mentors and inspirations such as Arnalie and Benedicta whose dedication to OSM has been a source of motivation for me since I started mapping. Their passion and leadership continue to inspire me to push boundaries and contribute meaningfully to the community.

I am also immensely grateful to Mikko, whose consistent support has been instrumental in my mapping journey. Mikko brought together the OSM gurus from Asia before the conference, helping us prepare and connect even before reaching Nairobi. His efforts made a significant difference, and his encouragement continues to inspire me.

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Mapping My Way to Inspiration: Reflections from SotM Asia 2024

This year, I had the privilege of stepping into a world of boundless ideas and shared dreams as I attended the State of the Map Asia (SotM Asia 2024) in Bangladesh. It was my first time at this prestigious conference, and the experience was more transformative than what I had thought. From the moment I arrived, I could sense the synergy of brilliant minds united by their passion for open mapping and the power of geospatial knowledge. The conference was a melting pot of diverse contributors—youthful innovators with fresh ideas and seasoned leaders whose enduring dedication has shaped the open mapping movement. It was heartening to see how this collective energy is driving solutions for challenges like disaster management and sustainable development. Conversations with participants revealed the exciting role startups are playing, leveraging OpenStreetMap (OSM) data to revolutionize industries and create meaningful societal impact.

As I stood there representing the YouthMappers community, I couldn’t help but feel a swell of pride. My tenure as Vice President of the YouthMappers chapter in 2022-23 had been a defining period, filled with opportunities to lead projects that empowered communities and fostered collaboration on a global scale. Now, as an alumnus, I was honored to showcase the results of our collective efforts. It was a reminder of the transformative power of teamwork and the potential of mapping to change lives.

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30 mins

** Disclaimer: I do not guarantee the accuracy of these names **

I decided to compile some OSM objects named like celebrities for fun (with up to two examples each). This time let’s focus on music artists (sorted by date of birth).

Elvis Presley (1935-1977)
* Montevideo, Uruguay
* Sint-Genesius-Rode, Belgium

John Lennon (1940-1980)
* London, UK

Freddie Mercury (1946-1991)
* Montreux, France

Madonna (1958-)
* Baltimore, US-MD
* Ardspach, Czech Republic

Michael Jackson (1958-2009)
* Shekvetili, Georgia

Céline Dion (1968-)
* Laval, Canada

Jennifer Lopez (1969-)
* San Rafael, Costa Rica

Jay-Z (1969-)
* Harwich, US-MA

Eminem (1972-)
* Orléans, France

50 Cent (1975-)
* Ernakulam, India
* Pomigliano d’Arco, Italy

Shakira (1977-)
* Saas-Fee, Switzerland

Alicia Keys (1981-)
* Saint-Jean-d’Heurs, France

Beyoncé (1981-)
* London, UK

Britney Spears (1981-)
* Eagle Mountain, US-UT
* Edinburgh, UK

Lady Gaga (1986-)
* Sacramento, US-CA
* Davao City, Philippines

Rihanna (1988-)
* Cotonou, Benin
* Trondheim, Norway

Ed Sheeran (1991-)
* Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia