Charting New Paths: Insights from SotM Asia 2024

This year, I had the opportunity to attend State of the Map Asia (SotM Asia 2024) in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. While I had previously attended the SotM Global conference, SotM Asia provided a unique and inspiring experience that deepened my engagement with the OpenStreetMap (OSM) community. The conference brought together passionate mappers from all over, each contributing their expertise to solve real-world problems using geospatial data.

As a speaker at SotM Asia, I shared insights on how OSM is being used to improve accessibility to essential services, particularly for women in marginalized communities. The conversations that followed were both thought-provoking and affirming, showing how mapping can be a powerful tool for addressing gender-specific issues.

The workshops and sessions at the conference were incredibly valuable. I gained new perspectives on how emerging technologies are transforming mapping and how they can be applied to address complex challenges. These experiences inspired me to think creatively about the tools and methods I can incorporate into my own work, particularly in my ongoing projects.

Beyond the sessions and workshops, the conference was an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals. From casual conversations over coffee to the camaraderie at the OM GURU dinner, I was reminded of the importance of community in the open mapping movement. The connections made here will continue to inspire and motivate me as I work on future mapping projects.

Reflecting on SotM Asia 2024, I am deeply inspired to continue my work in the OSM community and beyond. The event reaffirmed the transformative potential of mapping and reinforced my belief in its power to create a more connected, resilient world. I look forward to carrying these lessons into my ongoing work, including the WASH initiative in Birendranagar.

Acknowledgments

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This year, I had the incredible opportunity to attend State of the Map (SotM) 2024, the global conference of the OpenStreetMap (OSM) community, held in the vibrant city of Nairobi, Kenya. As one of the travel grant winners, generously supported by the OpenStreetMap Foundation, this experience marked a significant milestone in my mapping journey. It was my first time at SotM, and I was beyond excited to connect with mappers, developers, and enthusiasts from across the world.

The highlight of my participation was co-presenting the topic “OSM: Spectrum” alongside my fellow mapper Pragya Pant. Together, we shared insights into the diversity of mapping practices in Nepal and the importance of inclusivity within the OSM ecosystem. It was truly empowering to showcase our work on a global platform and engage in meaningful conversations with the audience. The support and enthusiasm we received were incredibly motivating and reinforced the value of collaboration within the mapping community.

One of the most memorable aspects of the conference was meeting so many individuals I had previously interacted with online. Seeing these familiar faces in person was both surreal and heartwarming. The conference served as a bridge, turning virtual connections into tangible friendships. I had the chance to meet mentors and inspirations such as Arnalie and Benedicta whose dedication to OSM has been a source of motivation for me since I started mapping. Their passion and leadership continue to inspire me to push boundaries and contribute meaningfully to the community.

I am also immensely grateful to Mikko, whose consistent support has been instrumental in my mapping journey. Mikko brought together the OSM gurus from Asia before the conference, helping us prepare and connect even before reaching Nairobi. His efforts made a significant difference, and his encouragement continues to inspire me.

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