On the 22nd and 23rd of August 2020, Crowd2Map Tanzania organized and hosted training sessions for YouthMappers chapters at the Institute of Rural Development Planning - Dodoma(IRDP) and the University of Dodoma(UDOM) on open geospatial data and open source geospatial software. The sessions covered the following topics:
An introduction to OpenStreetMap
Open Data
OSM editing using iD editor and JOSM
Map design with QGIS
Data collection using smartphone: ODK and Kobotoolbox
The purpose of the training was to develop the students’ capacity in the use of open-source tools to deliver the positive changes in their community. We had thirty-five attendees from IRDP and eight from the University of Dodoma. This included both YouthMappers students and academic faculty from both universities.
Participants during the training at IRDP
The training sessions were conducted by GIS specialist and consultant Mr. Herry Kasunga from IIED and Crowd2Map Tanzania. He shared with us about OSM, how it was discovered, and how we can add valuable information to the map. Everyone managed to create an OSM account and map features by using iD editor and JOSM.
Mr. Herry leading a training session at the University of Dodoma, UDOM
We also discussed open data, its benefits, and how we can contribute by updating data. The discussion went well with a great response and excitement from YouthMappers. Finally, we created a map of health facilities in Dodoma using OSM data and QGIS.
In the organizing process, there was a collaboration with the YouthMappers lead at IRDP, Mr. Shaban Magawila, faculty advisors( Mr. Pambila Godwin and Dr. Canute Hyandye) Herry Kasunga and Janet Chapman from Crowd2Map Tanzania. Thank you so much for your support and assistance!
YouthMappers after the training sessions at UDOM and IRDP