A Mapathon to Remember with YouthMappers UNA and TU Munich

Acknowledgment: This post was delayed in publication and may contain outdated information. We appreciate your understanding.

On July 22, YouthMappers UNA collaborated in a Mapathon organized by the YouthMappers chapter at TU Munich, alongside Geoawesome, the German Red Cross, and Runder Tisch E.V. The event focused on mapping vulnerable regions, with special training provided by Isabel Klipper from the German Red Cross. The event saw 25 participants, 21 of whom attended in person.

At this Mapathon, YouthMappers UNA shared its experience in key projects, such as mapping flood-prone areas in Paraguay. We explained how OpenStreetMap has been crucial in creating detailed maps that support evacuation planning and resource management during emergencies. We also presented projects like the "Urban Atlas Paraguay (AUPy)" and the "Study of Microfilling, Urban Fabric and Dump Site, Asunción, Paraguay," which utilize photomapping and thematic map creation.

The activity focused on mapping selected cities due to their vulnerability to natural disasters. The information collected will be crucial for local organizations to improve their emergency preparedness and response strategies, providing more effective protection for communities. A mapping contest was also held, rewarding the best mappers.

The Mapathon with TU Munich was an enriching experience for YouthMappers UNA, strengthening our connection with the international YouthMappers network. The event highlighted the importance of collaborative mapping and the use of OpenStreetMap for humanitarian and urban development projects. Moving forward, we are considering future joint activities. We thank TU Munich and all participants for their support and collaboration. Together, we will continue promoting open mapping and global cooperation.

Stay tuned for more updates and join us in our journey of mapping for a better world!

About the Authors

Paula Villar is an architecture student set to graduate in February 2025 and president of the YouthMappers chapter at the National University of Asunción (YouthMappers UNA). As a fellow of the YouthMappers Leadership Fellowship 2024, she participated in a program in Thailand, where she enhanced her skills in geospatial data analysis and collaborative leadership.

For her Final Degree Project, she worked on the Urban Atlas Paraguay (AUPy) project at CIDi FADA-UNA, contributing to the mapping of key municipalities such as Juan León Mallorquín, Yguazú, and Ypejhú-Paranhos. She used tools like OpenStreetMap and QGIS to generate accurate geospatial data essential for territorial development strategies. She also developed the Guide for the Creation of a Geospatial Information Management Platform to optimize geospatial data management in urban and community projects.

She has been a speaker at the XIX Pan-American Course on Voluntary Geographic Information (VGI) in Ecuador and has trained students and volunteers in collaborative mapping and open-source technologies.

José Arce is an architect in training with a strong background in the use of geospatial tools and the management of projects related to territorial development. He currently serves as Vice President of the YouthMappers UNA Paraguay chapter, which is part of the Research, Development, and Innovation Center (CIDi) at the Faculty of Architecture, Design, and Art of the National University of Asunción (FADA-UNA).

Since joining the chapter in September 2022, José has led a variety of projects and fieldwork activities, training students, technicians, and municipal officials in FOSS tools, such as OpenStreetMap (OSM), JOSM, Mapillary, and QGIS. He has actively promoted the use of open-source software to improve the management and accessibility of geospatial data in Paraguay. His work has been instrumental in projects such as the Urban Atlas Paraguay (AUPy) and the development of the Sustainable Multipurpose Cadastre Guide for Municipalities in Paraguay, initiatives aimed at addressing the scarcity of cartographic data in the country and promoting sustainable territorial development.

As a member of YouthMappers, he was a recipient of the 2024 Leadership Fellowship, where he enhanced his skills in digital cartography, risk management, and leadership. Through this fellowship, he established networks of collaboration with chapters from different parts of the world and fostered inter-institutional agreements. This platform allows José Arce to advance his professional vision, which combines his architectural training with a multidisciplinary approach, guided by the premise that sustainable urban and territorial development can only be achieved through cooperation, access to open technologies, and active community participation.