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.

The workshops at the conference were eye-opening to perceive open mapping from different perspective. Sessions on web mapping and discussions about integrating artificial intelligence with OSM for disaster management expanded my understanding of technology’s role in open mapping. I was particularly fascinated by the innovative use of GIS and UAVs to tackle challenges like urban planning and climate resilience. These hands-on experiences ignited a new passion within me to bring these tools into practical applications.

Winning the prestigious OSM Mapper of the Year 2024 award was an unforgettable moment. It was a recognition of dedication and perseverance, not just my own, but also of the supportive communities and mentors who have guided me along the way. This honor reminded me of the values I hold dear—openness, collaboration, and a commitment to driving meaningful change. The conference wasn’t all work and no play. There were moments of joy and connection—group photos, casual conversations over coffee, and the camaraderie of the OSM Guru dinner. These interactions reminded me of the human side of this global initiative, the friendships, and shared purpose that bind us all in this movement.

As I look back on my journey at SotM Asia 2024, I feel more inspired than ever. The event was not just a gathering of mapping enthusiasts but a celebration of innovation and community spirit. It reinforced my belief in the transformative potential of open mapping and gave me the tools and motivation to bring these insights into my work.

The future of mapping is bright, and I am thrilled to be part of a movement that is shaping a better, more connected world.

Acknowledgment

Attending SotM Asia 2024 would not have been as enriching without the incredible people I had the privilege of meeting in Bangladesh. First and foremost, my heartfelt thanks go to Amena Rashid Bania, whose unwavering support and encouragement throughout the conference and my days in Bangladesh were truly inspiring. Her motivation and kindness made this experience unforgettable, and I will always cherish the moment she called my name for the award.

I am deeply grateful to Mikko Tamura, Honey Grace Fombuena, and Harry Mahardhika Machmud for organizing the memorable OM GURU dinner. It was a rare and special opportunity to connect with mentors and leaders who have shaped the open mapping movement.

Lastly, I want to express my appreciation to the wonderful individuals who took such good care of us during our stay in Bangladesh. Their hospitality, warmth, and efforts ensured that our time there was comfortable and meaningful. To everyone who contributed to this incredible journey, thank you for making SotM Asia 2024 an experience I will treasure forever.