In this course, we will take a look at JOSM, the Java OpenStreetMap Editor.  JOSM is an offline desktop editing application for OpenStreetMap, written in Javascript, which provides a whole host of advanced editing tools for working in OSM. JOSM is the preferred tool for both advanced editing of features, and validating data in OSM (we’ll talk a little more about validation in the next course). In this course, you will learn how to navigate the JOSM editor interface, how to download data from the OSM server, how to create and edit nodes, ways, tags and relations in OSM, and how to upload data correctly to the OSM server.

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As members of the YouthMappers network, we all need to acknowledge the importance of gender awareness, and how this relates to peer leadership and peer interactions in our global community. The course will help you understand how gender bias and discrimination negatively impact women and other gender minorities, and how these bias also limit and hurt men. The course also discusses the challenges women and other gender minorities face as members of the YouthMappers network and OpenStreetMap communities, and as new professionals in geospatial and technology.  You will also learn about the fundamentals of gender-related concepts, inclusive language, gender discrimination, and how to make your YouthMappers chapter a welcoming and safe space where all members can be their best selves.

Data quality is an important consideration when working in OSM. Map Validation is the process of reviewing completed work (both your own, and of other mappers), to make sure that the feature geometry is captured accurately, and that the tags applied are appropriate. Mapping experience is critical when performing validation activities, coupled with the best tools to perform this task most effectively and efficiently. A good command of JOSM is also important to a validator, and in this course you will learn about several specific techniques and tools to assist in the validation workflow. You will also learn about validation from a more holistic project management perspective, and the various approaches you can use to manage and facilitate team validation for your projects.

The key to successful field work is a meticulously planned tactical approach to your data collection exercise. This begins with a clear definition of the problem you are about to address. In this course you will learn how to formulate a problem statement, which will help you to formally articulate and communicate your overall research agenda, and to prioritize the data necessary to achieve it. You will learn how to develop a simple field work strategy, which involves dissecting your work into tasks, while acknowledging the timeline sensitivities and resources required. You will also learn how to illustrate your field work strategy on a detailed timeline, denoting tasks, dependencies, and resources required.

Most of our early interactions with OSM involve contributing directly to the map, either through remote mapping campaigns, or providing edits for areas that are familiar to us.  In instances where we wish to conduct geospatial analysis, or, where we want to produce more refined cartographic products, we will need to extract more nuanced, specific data layers from OSM. In this course we will learn how to filter and extract data from OSM for our own research purposes. We will also look at various tools that will help us to assess data quality and coverage.

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In this course, we will look at the best practices around field survey development, and how we can turn a problem statement, and data model into a concise, clear survey (or questionnaire). We will also explore the various tools (both analog and digital) that are at our disposal to facilitate data collection. From a project management perspective, you will compare and evaluate different field data collection workflows, exploring the pros and cons of each approach

You will also learn about field work etiquette, and some of the key logistical considerations prior to deployment.