My impression is that “hOSM” is a temporary stand-in among HOT staff while we try to figure what term or phrase to use next instead of “HOT.” While “hOSM” has been discussed a lot internally and in community meetings, I don’t use it in external communications because it’s jargony and unclear to people who aren’t already in on the conversation.

I use “humanitarian mapping” instead because, while it doesn’t capture OpenStreetMap, the meaning is more clear to people who aren’t actively reading OSM diaries and joining community conversations.

I think that an ideal term would capture that the goal is to grow the use and coverage of OSM for: 1. humanitarian action and disaster response 2. development planning 3. whatever local communities want to use it for

And until we find a term that captures that, I understand the perspective that OSM is the common denomicator between HOT and the communities we work with.