If I would be too lazy drawing some blank maps and mapping the POIs, I would just try to shoot a 180-degree view from my point, every three to five meters, as long as each 180-degree view connect to each other. I also take note of the place where I made such shot.

I usually roam around Marikina riding a bicycle, and with me is a Canon Powershot A2400 digital camera. In my second test, I try to set my camera as to make a 2MP shot (my camera can take up to 15MP), to save space. I designate JP Rizal, Sto. Niño as a test place, and walked around as I fulfill my plan.

But this method is not without danger or scrutiny, most especially on guards, who have their eyes not only on rogue persons, but also on camera-armed persons taking photos of their establishments. They do this to protect the reputation of the place they are paid to guard, because there are several instance that those establishments were shot and such shots were used for malicious intentions. Yes, I was did approached by a guard, asking me why I apparently took the photo of their clinic. I calmly and honestly told him that I do this for the sake of mapping in OpenStreetMap.

Anyway, I think this plan is working, and I hope so. I do wish I can contribute as many things as I can, and I wish there are other cartography enthusiasts who can help us in mapping.

PS. I love this kinda “crowdsourced” mapping called OpenStreetMap!