The Importance of Community Mapping

Over the past two decades, in particular, mapping has become open access, since map data is increasingly used to support society facing crisis. As this goal gained momentum, a community-driven mapping interface emerged in 2003. Open Street Maps pioneered the way for easy updating and access to map data at your fingertips.

It was a marvel back then, and these mapping tools paved the way for Crowdsourced Mapping after the catastrophe in Haiti in 2010. However, there is still a large human resource deficit that can only be satisfied if we make OSM knowledge prominent throughout institutions and schools alike, as was cultivated in the OSM Guru Program during in-person training at JNTU, Hyderabad.

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There is a growing trend for youth in India to use smartphones throughout universities and colleges alike. At this moment, I saw a potential chance as an OSM enthusiast to introduce a smartphone OSM app called Map Swipe. I had the pleasure of visiting St Anne’s College to discuss the mission of mapping for a community and a good cause. During my visit, I introduced MCA students to the amazing software Map Swipe. This app is a double-edged sword, but when utilized for a good purpose, it may have a big influence. The initiative focused on mapping earthquakes in Papua New Guinea and healthcare in Champai, India.

I am grateful to the Open Mapping Hub - Asia Pacific and GRED Institute of Geoinformatics for their contributions to this research. Their assistance has been crucial in making this endeavour a success.

Mapping has the potential to be a strong instrument for positive change, and I’m excited to see how it continues to improve communities.