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Mapathon at TU Munich: Mapping At-Risk Regions with Awesome Mappers

Nianhua, Lia, and Yao || YouthMappers at TU Munich

Updated: Jan 13

Maps Make Magic. Mappers Make Maps.


Is there an event where awesome mappers come together to create impactful maps? Absolutely—it’s called Mapathon!


On July 22, YouthMappers at TU Munich, in collaboration with Geoawesome, German Red Cross, and Runder Tisch E.V., organized a Mapathon.



What Is Mapathon?


A Mapathon is a collaborative event where volunteers come together to map areas using satellite imagery, contributing to OpenStreetMap (OSM). These events can take place globally, with participants using a browser-based tool to map features like buildings and roads. This data helps local and international decision-makers respond more effectively to crises.


Up-to-date maps are essential for the success of many humanitarian initiatives, especially in disaster response. Through platforms like HOT, volunteers can significantly impact healthcare delivery and other services in affected communities by contributing their time to mapathon events.


Mapathons are an excellent way to build a community of mappers and offer a great learning environment where new mappers can learn from experienced ones while contributing to a common goal. Tasks are divided into smaller sections for easier management, and experienced volunteers validate the work to ensure quality. Organized by groups and individuals worldwide, Mapathons enable volunteers to create critical data for communities in need.


For example, we are from the YouthMappers at TU Munich chapter. YouthMappers is a global network of more than 5,000 university student mappers organized in 411 campus chapters across 78 countries. These student-led chapters are working to address SDGs using geospatial technologies and multi-national collaboration.


If you want to know more about OSM, HOT, YouthMappers, and Missing Maps, please read our previous article in Geoawesome: A Beginner’s Guide to GeoHumanitarian Mapping Organizations.


Why We Organize a Mapathon?


YouthMappers at TU Munich was founded at the end of 2022.


In early 2023, a devastating earthquake struck Turkey and Syria. During this crisis, we issued a call for mappers to join a mapping campaign. However, we encountered a significant challenge: many students wanted to help but lacked the necessary mapping skills and knowledge of OSM to contribute effectively.


This realization became the driving force behind our decision to organize a Mapathon at TU Munich. At the beginning of 2024, we three like-minded board members, Nianhua, Lia, and Yao, decided to host a Mapathon. After months of meticulous planning, we set out to make this Mapathon a reality.


One of our board members, Lia, is from Paraguay, where many residents face the risk of natural disasters, such as floods, every year. Our friends from YouthMappers UNA told us that OSM is crucial to their work. However, OSM is incomplete in many rural areas. To address this, we decided to map several villages near rivers in Paraguay and set up a TeachOSM tasking manager. We are grateful for the invaluable support from Adele Birkenes and Marcela Zeballos of YouthMappers in this process.


Since our target group is beginners in OSM, we aim to empower students with the basic skills needed to contribute effectively to OSM, helping communities in need and fostering a strong, motivated mapping group at TU Munich.


Awesome Mappers, Let’s Map!


The event kicked off with an introduction by our host, Lia, who presented our team, YouthMappers at TU Munich.



Leonie Engemann from Runder Tisch GIS e. V. also gave a brief introduction, explaining that Runder Tisch GIS e.V. is one of the largest volunteer-organized networks on geoinformation in Germany. They organize numerous events such as Münchner GI-Runde, Mobiles GIS-Forum, and 3D Forum Lindau. They also have a Young Professionals group that welcomes all students to join.



Of course, Geoawesome was introduced as well, capturing the students’ interest with the latest industry information.



Our partners, Paula Villar and Jose Arce from YouthMappers at the National University of Asunción, provided an introduction to the YouthMappers Global Network, sharing how they benefit from it and how they use OSM.


YouthMappers UNA, founded in 2021 at the National University of Asunción (UNA), is based at the Research Development and Innovation Center (CIDi) within the Faculty of Architecture, Design, and Arts.


The chapter has been involved in significant projects, including the Urban Atlas Paraguay (AUPy) project, which addresses the lack of geospatial data in Paraguay, and training sessions at various workshops. Their work includes generating base cartography with OpenStreetMap, conducting photomapping, and creating thematic maps, ultimately supporting urban planning and disaster response efforts in Paraguay.



Following the introductions, we had an online keynote and tutorial from Isabell Klipper, the Information Management and GIS Specialist from the German Red Cross (GRC).


Isabell introduced the GRC and its use of OSM, highlighting how millions of people benefit from their work. GRC leverages OSM through the Missing Maps project to enhance disaster preparedness and proactive assistance, which engage volunteers in mapping critical areas for disaster risk reduction and Forecast-based Financing projects. These efforts support effective emergency relief and disaster prevention, thereby reducing vulnerabilities and strengthening resilience.


She also provided a tutorial on essential skills for the Mapathon, including creating an OSM account, mapping in the OSM ID Editor on the TeachOSM Tasking Manager, understanding the HOT and its importance, and how to map buildings.



After the keynote session, we held a Mapping Contest. The participants were highly motivated, resulting in 1,312 total map edits and 1,198 buildings mapped by 25 contributors (21 on-site). What an amazing achievement!



Following the mapping contest, we took a short break, allowing participants to get to know each other and enjoy snacks and drinks sponsored by Runder Tisch GIS e. V.



The most exciting moments came at the end. After evaluation, three participants won the top 3 mapper awards.



We closed the Mapathon with a large group photo. Many participants approached us afterward, eager to learn how to join YouthMappers at the TU Munich chapter. Their motivation and eagerness to contribute more were truly inspiring.


For us, mapping is not just a technical activity but a passion. It’s about making a difference in humanitarian efforts and disaster response. The Mapathon at TU Munich was not just about creating maps; it was about fostering a sense of community and purpose. The event’s success stands as a testament to the power of collective action and the impact of dedicated individuals working towards a common goal.


A big thanks to Geoawesome, the German Red Cross, Runder Tisch GIS e. V., and YouthMappers at the National University of Asunción. Keep an eye out for updates on our next Mapathon event.

 


See you next Mapathon!

YouthMappers at TU Munich

Nianhua, Lia, and Yao


Original blog post available at Geoawesome.com

Comentários


 YouthMappers® is a registered trademark No. 5.203.611, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Class 41, Ser. No. 87-165,163 (Solis, 2033). All rights reserved. Info@youthmappers.org.

 

Arizona State University is the fiscal and administrative lead university. Founding universities are Texas Tech University, George Washington University, and West Virginia University. Data is added to OpenStreetMap in collaboration with the OSM community and our partners.

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