When I first received the email notifying me of my selection for the YouthMappers Leadership Fellowship 2024 in Thailand, it was a surreal moment. I was doing my assignments all frustrated but suddenly when the notification popped up, and I couldn’t contain my emotions. I jumped with joy, overwhelmed by the thought of being chosen for such an incredible opportunity. That email was the start of an unforgettable journey—one that would take me to new places, connect me with passionate individuals, and leave me with memories I’ll cherish forever. The dream of the dreamer started since then. The preparation for the fellowship began months in advance. YouthMappers, a global community of students, researchers, educators, and scholars that use public geospatial technologies to highlight and directly address development and environmental challenges worldwide ensured we were well-prepared with pre-departure sessions and constant communication through emails and WhatsApp. They guided us every step of the way, taking care of us with unmatched warmth and care. From learning how to say “Sawadike” (hello) and “Khapunka” (thank you) in Thai, to planning and packing for the trip, every moment was filled with excitement. The day of departure was momentous—my first international flight, passport in hand, and butterflies in my stomach. Along with my Nepali peers, we clicked countless photos at the airport, thrilled to embark on this journey. As our flight landed in Bangkok, the sparkling city lights welcomed us to a country that truly never sleeps. Angela, our warm and wonderful guide, greeted us at the airport, setting the tone for an amazing experience.

First Impressions and New Connections

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Embarking on the Osm Guru Fellowship was an exciting and transformative experience. This five-month-long journey focused on mapping track has provided me with a unique opportunity to enhance my skills and knowledge in OpenStreetMap (OSM). Each month presented a new task and challenge, pushing me to explore different tools and techniques within the OSM ecosystem.

The first month introduced us to the basics of OSM. Our task was to map a specific area using the OSM platform. This involved adding and editing features on the map, such as roads and building features. In the second month, we focused on collecting Points of Interest (POIs) using the Every Door app. This tool was new to me, but through hands-on exercises, I became familiar with its features. Our task was to identify and document various POIs in a designated area, such as restaurants, shops, and public facilities. This exercise enhanced my ability to gather and input detailed location data. The third month centered on using Mapillary to collect street-level imagery and POIs. We were tasked with capturing images of streets and integrating them into the OSM database. Additionally, we used the imagery to identify and add POIs. By the fourth month, our task was to create a map using the POIs we have collected before. The final month was dedicated to the validation. We were assigned to validate feature such as buildings and roads.

The Osm Guru Fellowship was a transformative experience. Each month’s task helped me develop a deeper understanding of mapping and OSM tools such as Every Door and Mapillary. I am now confident in my ability to contribute to the OSM community and use these tools effectively. This fellowship has greatly enhanced my skills and appreciation for the importance of accurate and detailed mapping.