To map with a cause in mind…

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THROWBACK… My mapping journey began in 2016. I started as a volunteer of Project NOAH – a disaster risk reduction and management program of the Philippine Government. Through its risk mapping initiative, I was engaged in OpenStreetMap tracing of building footprints in some provinces of our country. Even though the project was phased out last 2017, I continued to contribute to other initiatives that utilize and improve on OSM data. Some of these are UnmappedPH and OSMaPaaralan. Driven by my interest in carrying out humanitarian mapping focused on Disaster Preparedness and Response, I was fortunate to join the 2022 Data Quality Internship of Humanitarian Openstreetmap Team. This program paved the way for more opportunities for me.

Forward to 2024, Open Mapping Hub Asia Pacific’s call for Guru Fellows:

• For this Fellowship, I have been invited to participate and become a part of the VALIDATION Track which primarily focus on OpenStreetMap (OSM) data quality aspect through validating tasks of assigned urgent projects.

Key Outputs:

1. Validate tasks on HOT Tasking Manager
2. Engage in changeset discussions
3. Clean-up of OSM data
4. Create MapRoulette Project/Challenge
5. Validate changesets using OSMCha

• As a highlight to this fellowship, I find it note-worthy and gratifying that the community has evolved into a force for good. From mappers, validators, to trainers alike, the AP Hub proved that the program it has implemented measured up to its own expectation. Indeed, a lot has really been achieved in the past months and sustaining it in the future would surely help to capacitate more advocates of open mapping.

Key Takeaways:

1. There is no doubt that this fellowship has expanded the horizon now serving as a platform for better public access and consumption.

2. This initiative as well by the hub builds up the base for more motivated contributors and volunteers.

3. The cause for mapping is sustained through localized efforts.

To this end:

• I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Asia Pacific Hub and the Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team in general, for giving me as well as many others, such avenues where we hone our relevant skills and consolidate our individual efforts towards helping communities around the world through various capacities including TRAINING of potential contributors or volunteers, MAPPING of specific projects, and VALIDATING which ensures better data quality.

• My gratitude also goes to our TRACK MODERATORS. I would particularly mention, Mikko, Honey, and Dinar who collectively administered and managed the fellowship with great competency and skill. They have ensured that such an endeavor would be fruitful for everyone involved. It is also worth mentioning that relative to this, questions by fellows that need to be answered are well addressed with proper guidance, making a mechanism for smooth feedback.

To more mapping… #APHub #OMGuru #HOT #OSMPH