Navigating the World of Maps: My Two Quarters as a YouthMappers Regional Ambassador

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In the past six months, my journey as a YouthMappers Regional Ambassador has been nothing short of exhilarating. The essence of these months lies in the stories of map-making, the shared learning, and the collective triumphs that have shaped our mapping community.

Training Tales: Unraveling the Geospatial Universe

Imagine a room buzzing with excitement as students, enthusiasts, and novices gather around computers. In various training sessions, we embarked on a journey through the geospatial universe. From unraveling the mysteries of Artificial Intelligence in mapping to mastering the ropes of Rapid, ID, and JOSM editors, each session was a dive into the practical and artistic sides of map-making. It wasn't just about learning; it was about making geospatial technology accessible and familiar to everyone.

But the real magic happened when we saw those 'aha' moments on participants' faces. When the complexities of GIS turned into tools they could use to create, explore, and impact their communities positively. It was more than just teaching; it was about nurturing a passion for mapping that would extend beyond the training room.

Soaring Heights: Drone Training at Kyambogo University

A particularly noteworthy chapter unfolded with our drone training session with YouthMappers at Kyambogo University in collaboration with OpenStreetMap Uganda. Drones, those buzzing machines in the sky, became our allies in mapping. It wasn't just about flying gadgets; it was about seeing the world from a bird's-eye view and exploring new dimensions in our mapping projects.

Participants, many experiencing drones for the first time, were introduced to the potential of aerial mapping. As the drones soared, so did our understanding of how this technology could revolutionize the way we approach mapping challenges. From environmental monitoring to disaster response, the sky was no longer the limit.

Data Dynamo: KoboCollect Training for Vision Mappers

Data became our superpower in a KoboCollect training session tailored for Vision Mappers. We navigated through the intricacies of harnessing field data, understanding that data isn't just numbers – it's the backbone of impactful mapping narratives.

The beauty of KoboCollect lies in its simplicity and practicality. It wasn't about drowning in data; it was about collecting meaningful information that could drive change. Participants left with the tools to gather data efficiently, empowering them to contribute to mapping projects that resonated with their communities' needs.

Community Unleashed: Mapathons Beyond Borders

Celebrating unity within the mapping community, we hosted vibrant marathons for both CSGU Mappers and Geo YouthMappers. These weren't mere mapping exercises; they were celebrations of collaboration, mutual learning, and the collective strength of mappers working harmoniously towards a common goal.

The mapathons were more than just dots on a map; they were a testament to the power of collaboration. Different backgrounds, experiences, and skills came together to create something more significant than any individual effort. It was a celebration of the diversity within our mapping community.

City-Wide GIS Day 2023: Bridging Chapters

The GIS Day 2023 celebrations stand out as a pinnacle achievement. Coordinating events for three chapters based in Kampala city that is Vision Mappers, Geo YouthMappers and Spatial Mappers; we dove into insightful discussions, captivating demonstrations, and interactive sessions, deepening our understanding of how GIS catalyzes positive change in our world.

GIS Day wasn't just about showcasing technology; it was about fostering a deep appreciation for the impact GIS can have on our daily lives. From urban planning to environmental conservation, participants explored the various facets of GIS, understanding how it weaves into the fabric of our communities.

Summiting Knowledge: YouthMappers Summit

Culminating these two quarters was the YouthMappers Summit, a grand assembly encompassing all Ugandan chapters. This momentous event served as a conduit for sharing insights garnered from the larger summit in Jamaica. Rooted in a culture of knowledge exchange, collaboration, and mutual growth, the summit marked a milestone in fortifying our dynamic mapping community.

The summit wasn't just a recap of lessons learned; it was a platform for sparking new ideas and initiatives. As we shared our experiences from Jamaica, the collective wisdom of the mapping community blossomed. The summit wasn't the end; it was a new beginning, where we pledged to take our learnings and turn them into action for the benefit of our communities.

Closing Chapter Thoughts: A Tapestry Woven Together

As I reflect on these two quarters, I am filled with profound gratitude for the unfolding journey as a YouthMappers Regional Ambassador. Each training, mapathon, and celebration has been a mosaic tile in the broader canvas of a more connected and empowered mapping community. With eyes set on the horizon, the next chapters promise to unravel new opportunities, innovations, and collaborative triumphs.

The journey isn't just about maps; it's about the stories we tell, the communities we empower, and the collective impact we make. Together, we continue to map, learn, and grow, weaving a story that transcends borders and echoes the resounding impact of geospatial technology in our collective pursuit of positive change.

About the Author

Desire Gift is a dedicated YouthMappers Regional Ambassador proudly serving on the Community Building Team. Currently, she is an active member of Geo YouthMappers, a vibrant chapter situated in Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda. With an unwavering enthusiasm for geospatial technologies, her passion lies in fostering inclusivity and diversity within the mapping community. A particular focus of hers is to encourage and engage more women in the field of geospatial technologies. As part of this endeavor, she is committed to breaking gender barriers and inspiring fellow ladies to actively participate in mapping projects. Through her involvement with YouthMappers, she strives to create an environment where everyone, irrespective of gender, feels empowered to contribute to the transformative world of geospatial technology.