My Introduction

Hi, I am Manish Adhikari from NEPAL.I am taking undergraduate degree in Geomatics Engineering from Tribhuvan University, Pashchimanchal Campus, Pokhara.I am a youthmapper and mapping volunteer at youthmapper’s chapter GESAN(Geomatics Engineering Students’ Association of Nepal).Currently, I am a HOT Data Quality Intern.I am here to express my 250 days mapping experience and the journey upto now.

Beginning Of The Journey

My OSM journey started from 21st May ,2019.I know about OSM and YouthMappers from the day when we got chance to attend Basic OSM Training conducted by Geomatics Engineering Students’ Association of Nepal.I learned about mapping,id editor,JOSM,adding point ,line and polygon.I was so excited to learn this and started contributing to OSM day by day.

Experience Throughout 250 Days

At the very beginning,I was happy to include my house and its surroundings in the map.Slowly, I started mapping different unmapped parts of my nation.I was motivated day by day in the mapping field because of my related academic field and impression from my senior Anil Basnet,top contributor of OSM from Nepal.I used to participate in different mapathons organized by GESAN.Improving day by day,I was able to become an intermediate mapper from beginner level. There are different projects to which I contributed.I never want to miss any chance to involve in such mapping projects as I had to learn many new things and skills on mapping and improve myself.On this journey , I have recently got a great opportunity as a Data Quality Intern at HOT.I have learned many new ideas on mapping and validation.I got to know the importance of quality mapping and quality data.Accordingly, I have made myself to perform quality mapping and validation with the use of different data quality tools. Here are some of the projects that I have contributed to the date.

1. MAPPING THE UNMAPPED IN PROVINCE 2 OF NEPAL(KLL)
2. MAPPING AND VALIDATION OF KHANDBARI MUNICIPALITY, SANKHUWASABHA DISTRICT(KLL)
3. ECUADOR: VOLCANO HAZARDS, CAYAMBE NORTH(HOT)
4. SISDOL LANDFILL SITE MAPPING(KLL/GESAN/GEONEER)
5. SIRAHA DISTRICT MAPPING(KLL)
6. ROADS MAPPING - COMMUNE DE BEROBOKA NORD, RÉGION MENABE(OSM Madagascar)
7. MISSING MAPS: BUILDINGS & RESIDENTIAL AREAS, GUMMI, NIGERIA (6)(MSF)
8. MAPPING AND VALIDATION OF WARD 2 OF ANNAPURNA RURAL MUNICIPALITY, KASKI(Digital Mappers Dang)
9. Mapping Open Cities-GUATEMALA(HOT)
10. MIRZAPUR, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA(Geomatics Engineering Society/HOT)

I have mentioned major projects only , there are also other projects I contributed to.These all are the steps of my growth as a fine mapper.Sometimes I used to feel bored while validating some tasks having so much mistakes within them.But I always took them as my source of learning.

I also have some experience as a trainer for beginner level.I got an opportunity to involve as a trainer in the Basic OSM Training conducted by GESAN in the South Western and Mid Western Part of Nepal , Tikapur,Dailekh and Dang.

I love to share and expand my mapping knowledge to the growing youths.There is a better network of mapping in Nepal and many youths are being attracted towards it.Now I am currently taking my internship in which I have learned so many things so far.And today I have completed my 250 days in OSM. I have 250 different experiences day wise and these golden 250 steps have made my journey so impactful and a full of experiences.

Conclusion

There is nothing that we can’t do, just we need patience and continuously move forward.I also used to be bored at the beginning doing same thing everyday but exploring different new tools and ideas on mapping made me actively engaged.The main thing we have to do is communication with the different faces of the world.We have to exchange our ideas,knowledge and keep contributing to OSM of any diverse community.I just want to say ‘Keep contributing,your one edit may change the impact of the society’.