Hello, OpenStreetMap community!

My name is Alexis, I’m a French mapper who started mapping Early 2022, became a member of the OSM Foundation in mid 2023 and I am now a supporter of the CoMaps app. All this driven by a belief in the potential of maps as a vector of development crafted by the people, for the people.

Maps are instruments of change. By democratizing the creation and dissemination of geographic data, we enable communities worldwide to chart their paths, manage their resources, and respond more effectively to crises. In places where commercial maps fall short, open access maps fill critical gaps, ensuring that no one is left off the map.

However, the current landscape of map data ownership raises significant concerns. As corporations hold tight to the copyrights of their maps, they not only restrict access but also gain the power to shape our understanding of the world in ways that serve their interests. This monopolization of geographic information stifers innovation, limits public access, and, most importantly, undermines the principle of community empowerment that lies at the core of open mapping efforts. It is here, in the spirit of collaboration and open knowledge, that OpenStreetMap offers a beacon of hope—a map that belongs to everyone and serves the collective good.

My mapping journey has primarily unfolded in the Philippines. Here, I have encountered both the challenges and joys of mapping—an endeavor that feels all the more rewarding given the direct impact it can have on local communities. From improving disaster response capabilities to supporting tourism and local development, each contribution feels like a step toward a more connected and empowered society. Even though I am a foreigner here the Philippines holds a special place in my heart, my mapping adventures have also taken me to other countries, where I strive to contribute with the same ethos—supporting locals and enhancing communities through the power of open maps.

Looking ahead, I am excited to continue this journey with the OpenStreetMap community. My goal is to not only expand my contributions geographically but also to inspire others to join this movement. Together, we can harness the collective power of open access maps to create a more navigable, equitable, and understood world.

I am not a developer so if you have any questions about the CoMaps project please feel free to check out their website and contact them through their available channels.

Heatmap

Contributions

Wikimedia Commons Contributions

CoMaps Website