OpenStreetMap (OSM) is the greatest invention of a modern mapping system in this digitalized world. It is a great source of open data. It is more helpful and informative from any other online map. In this MAP we get specific data. It is very helpful for peoples. From this map anyone can get information about queries. Anyone can upload data and also can use data according to their needs. It is also helpful for the organizations that help vulnerable peoples. In this map data is free, so it is granted by everyone. It is easy to upload information in this map so anyone can contribute with the information from anywhere, anytime.
OSM data is helpful for Vulnerable Capacity Assessment (VCA). By using this data different NGOs, Government and International organizations can continue their relief operations. It is also helpful for research work. After all we can say, OSM data is very helpful for people for society as well as for countries. OSM data is very helpful for disaster risk management. In this map we get the data about identification of vulnerable places, way of passing, important key indicators such as building condition, material, and structure. By researching this information govt. or relevant authorities will identify the vulnerable places and take necessary steps to reduce the vulnerability, to reduce the damage of any kind of disaster. By using this data Bangladesh Red Crescent Society or this type of voluntary organization or Government organization like fire service, civil defense can plan their search & rescue operations.
I am Sawan Shariar from Bangladesh. I am an OpenStreetMap mapper and working since 14th May, 2015. I have done field level mapping using GPS device, FieldPaper, OSMAnd, OpenMapKit, OSMTracker, Mapillary, MapSwipe and OSM Contributor. I upload data by using ID Editor, JOSM Editor and Potlatch 2. I have done mapping for "Data for Action Project" and assisted in various OSM training with Bangladesh Red Crescent Society and continuing as a Super Mapper. I successfully completed the "Training for Trainer: OpenStreetMap" Training from Bangladesh Red Crescent Society supported by American Red Cross.
I am a volunteer of Bangladesh Red Crescent Society. And now I am working as Youth Chief of Red Crescent Youth, Dhaka College Unit (RCY,DCU). After successfully completed the Training for Training: OpenStreetMap I realize that, this training will be very useful for the volunteers of RCY, DCU. So I tried to understand my teachers and principal, how it’s effective and importance. And I have successfully done that.
Red Crescent Youth, Dhaka College Unit is a voluntary organization, it started its journey on 2 May, 2004. It’s motto is serve the people. In its long journey it conducted many search & rescue operations in different disasters. When the authorities learn about the necessity and importance of OSM in disasters, they decided to arrange training for volunteers. In 22-24 August 2016, OpenStreetMap (OSM) training was conducted at the training room, Red Crescent Youth, Dhaka College Unit. This training was started sharp at 09.00am and it was attended by the 26 volunteers of Red Crescent Youth, Dhaka College Unit.
The opening session was presided by Sheikh Sabbir Ahmed, Associate Professor of Dhaka College and Teacher In Charge of Red Crescent Youth ,Dhaka College Unit. As Chief guest there was present the pioneer of OpenStreetMap in Bangladesh Ahasanul Hoque, Geospatial Data Management Consultant in World Bank Bangladesh. He gave his pleasant speech about OSM that inspired the participants. Then the training session started. The training was conducted by myself Sawan Shariar, Atikur Rahman Atik and Manjurul Islam and assisted by Diluar Jahan & Atikul Islam.
On the first day training was divided into 4 sessions, which were
Introduction of OpenStreetMap
Introduction and use of ID Editor in OSM
Introduction and How to prepare Field Paper.
Field work: Collect data using field papers
The practical session started with opening an account in ID editor, a web-based mapping tool and it always needed to be connected to the internet. Then all the students made their own OSM account using ID editor before the training session. The participants were taught how to configure the background layer and how to do basic editswith ID editor along with knowing additional information and custom tags. Data that used in editing in this session was especially the home address of the individual participants.
After the lunch break, the participants were introduced to the Field Papers website. The participants were taught how to create a printable map Atlas for anywhere in the world. They learned how to print and add notes to the field papers. At last participants were paired into 13 teams and sent to field for data collection. The first day of the training session was ended with the horizontal development with the shores of knowledge as well as the fervent smiling faces of the participants.
Second Day the training started with its full swing at the same place at the same time like the day before. The Second day of the training, the practical session divided into 5 sessions, which were
Review of previous day.
Edit, Upload data of previous day’s field work.
Field work: Collect data using field papers
Introduction and the Use of JOSM in OSM
Upload collected data using JOSM Editor by participants.
The sessions started with a review on previous day works and uploading data of previous day’s field works. After that, participants went outside again to collect data by using Field Papers. After the lunch break, the participants were introduced to JAVA Open Street Mapping (JOSM). They learned about the interface of JOSM, activate imagery providers and uploading data. After that they learned how to use JOSM offline by saving the important files for editing. And finally the second day’s training session ended up with uploading their collected data by using JOSM Editor.
Third Day the training started with its full swing at the same place at the same time like the first day. The Third day of the training sessions divided into 6 sessions, which were
Review of previous day.
Field work: Collect data using Field Papers
Edit & Upload their collected data
Introduction in HOT &Teach Tasking Manager.
OSM android apps & how to collect data by using it?
Feedback & closing ceremony.
This day’s session started with a review of previous day's works and uploading data of previous day’s field works. After that participants were sent outside to collect data by using Field Papers and after lunch participants edited & uploaded their collected data.
In the second session , the participants have instituted by the Humanitarian OSM Team collaborative mapping tool which is known as Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (HOT) Tasking Manager and Teach Tasking Manager. Participants also were taught how to edit the maps both in teach and hot tasking managers not only editing by ID editor but also editing by JOSM. After that participants were introduced to many maps editing Mobile apps. The mobile apps are Mapswipe, OSM Tracker for Android, Map.ME, Vespucci, Mapillary and OSMand.
The training was successful. The credit goes to The Honorable Principal Professor MD. Muazzom Hossain Mollah of Dhaka College. I am grateful to Sheikh Sabbir Ahmed & Farjana Islam, Associate Professor of Dhaka College and Teacher-in-charge of Red Crescent Youth, Dhaka College Unit. I am also grateful to Ahasanul Hoque, The Pioneer of OpenStreetMap in Bangladesh and Geospatial Data Management Consultant in World Bank Bangladesh.
The Dhaka College students have since inaugurated their own chapter of YouthMappers and will continue working for improving OpenStreetMap together with the more than 34 chapters around the world.
Editorial note: republished from the original OSM diaries at the request by the author, with minor corrections.