Navigating the World Through OpenStreetMap: The Story of Bayazid Ahmed

Welcome to my article (my journey) in the world of OpenStreetMap (OSM) (https://www.openstreetmap.org/user/Bayazid%20Ahmed), an open collaboration map that envisions geographic data available for the common good. Over the last couple of months, I have participated in many OSM events and training sessions. Through these experiences, I have gained knowledge and earned several certificates of participation.

I. Introduction

Mapping goes a step further than simply drawing the geography of the environment we live in; it's about joining the dots and bringing people together for the sake of improvement, creating a better world for everyone when facing major issues. OpenStreetMap (OSM) is an inspiring project that allows people all over the world to participate in building a general database of geographic information. By enabling free contribution, OSM serves as a platform for innovation, support, and sustainability.

It all started in May 2024, when I first joined OSM, and it has been a wonderful journey. As outlined in this document, I have grown through the process of mapping while also becoming an advocate for open data. By attending training courses, mapathons, and conferences, I learned a great deal — not only about the subject matter, but also about the people and possibilities that OSM contributes toward a better world.

II. OpenStreetMap Overview

My OSM journey began in May 2024 at the OSMBD Mapathon, organized by OpenStreetMap Bangladesh. This event sparked my curiosity about OSM, and I quickly came to understand that the platform's purpose is to bring open data in support of communities.

Subsequently, I participated in the Open Mapping Guru Project — a series of training events dedicated to different aspects of OSM, data input and output, and data analysis. I have also completed several mapathons, including the 2024 Papua New Guinea Earthquake Mapathon and the 2024 Oceania Mapathon, to assist with humanitarian mapping.

My Certifications

Over the course of my involvement with OSM, I have earned the following certifications:

1. Certificate of Participation in the OSMBD Mapathon with OpenStreetMap (organized by OpenStreetMap Bangladesh)

2. Certificate of Knowledge in OSM Power-up: JOSM Plugins Training (from the Open Mapping Guru Project)

3. Certificate of Knowledge in Rapid Updates and Improvements with META Training

4. Certificate of Knowledge in OM Guru Network X HOT Tech Training: Accessing and Visualizing Open Map Data

5. Certificate of Knowledge in OM Guru Network Training: Canva for Everyone

6. Certificate of Knowledge in OM Guru Network X HOT Tech Training: Use Case Scenarios with QGIS – Flooding

7. Certificate of Knowledge in OM Guru Network Training: Data Mining OSM Data with Overpass Turbo

8. Certificate of Knowledge in OM Guru Network X HOT Tech Training: Introduction to Basic QGIS Analytics

III. SOTM Asia 2024

Undoubtedly, the high point of my journey was participating in the State of the Map Asia 2024 conference. This event brought together OpenStreetMap enthusiasts, mappers, developers, and researchers from across Asia. At the conference, I was awarded a Certificate of Participation and had the opportunity to learn more about the OSM community.

You can view some of my certificates here:

1. Open Mapping Guru Certificate (https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.955995449647548&type=3)

2. Guru Selection (https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1083565776890514&set=pcb.1083564203557338)

My Recent Contribution

As a mapper with YouthMappers at Eastern University, I contribute to open mapping projects by collecting street-level images for Mapillary during my daily travels. I focus on the routes between my university and home, as well as other journeys. By capturing images along these paths, I help improve OpenStreetMap data coverage, especially in under-mapped or remote areas. This work enhances local navigation, disaster management, and community development by providing current visual data for mapping platforms.

And I am working on this group...

V. Gaining Knowledge from State of the Map Asia 2024

Over the past year, one of the most meaningful achievements I have made is participating in the State of the Map Asia 2024 conference. This event creates open opportunities for OpenStreetMap enthusiasts, mappers, developers, and researchers from across Asia. I received a Certificate of Participation at the conference and got acquainted with the OSM community.

The conference served as a platform for:

1. Networking: Community support, shared experiences, and collaboration for work, fun, and fellowship.

2. Learning: Participating in sessions, conferences, workshops, and presentations covering topics related to OSM use, mapping, analysis, and the OSM community.

3. Knowledge Sharing: Hosting projects, research, and initiatives related to OSM.

4. Promoting OpenStreetMap: Engaging the OSM community, businesses, government, and third parties in advancing the cause of OSM and open geographic data.

   
   

Participating in the SotM Asia conference (https://stateofthemap.asia/) was very insightful and broadened my perspective on what OSM is and the many uses it has.

The Reasons That Made Me Love OpenStreetMap

It gives me joy to be associated with OSM because of its advocacy for community development and the sustainable use of resources. I am confident that by contributing to OSM (https://www.openstreetmap.org/user/Bayazid%20Ahmed/diary), I can play a part in the ongoing improvement of our world. My experience with OSM has been informative and engaging, thanks to my colleagues, to whom I owe a great deal of appreciation for their insights and help in developing this learning material. I will continue to think about how open mapping can be used to solve problems around the world.

I still have much more to do within the OSM community and look forward to expanding the outreach of open data.

VI. Conclusion

I trust this piece has sparked a desire to learn more about OpenStreetMap and how you can support the open mapping project. It is not just a mapping system; it is people around the world making a difference using OpenStreetMap as a platform. I hope you enjoyed this virtual tour and my story. I invite you to join the OSM community and help improve data connectivity throughout the world.

About the Author

Bayazid Ahmed is a second-year student in the Department of Computer Science & Engineering at Eastern University, Bangladesh. He is currently the Treasurer for YouthMappers at Eastern University and a mapper contributor on OpenStreetMap (OSM). He has received several certifications in mapping tools like QGIS, JOSM, and Overpass Turbo and is involved in global humanitarian mapping on an ongoing basis. Since embracing the ideals of open data and a community-driven approach to development, Bayazid finds himself committed to solving global challenges through geographic information systems.

References

OpenStreetMap. (n.d.). OpenStreetMap: The Free, Editable Map of the World. OpenStreetMap. Retrieved from: https://www.openstreetmap.org

OpenStreetMap Bangladesh (OSMBD). (2024). OSMBD Mapathon – An Overview of OpenStreetMap and Community Mapping. OpenStreetMap Bangladesh. Retrieved from: https://www.openstreetmap.org/user/Bayazid%20Ahmed

Open Mapping Guru. (2024). OM Guru Network X HOT Tech Training. Open Mapping Guru. Retrieved from: https://www.facebook.com/OMGuruAP/

State of the Map Asia (SOTM Asia). (2024). State of the Map Asia 2024 Conference: Bridging OpenStreetMap Interaction and Development for the Greater Asia Region. Retrieved from: https://stateofthemap.asia/

Facebook. (2024). Open Mapping Guru Certificate and Guru Selection Highlights. Open Mapping Guru. Retrieved from: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.955995449647548&type=3 and https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1083565776890514&set=pcb.1083564203557338

Bayazid Ahmed. (2024). My OpenStreetMap Journey: Working Toward Open Data for Community Development. OpenStreetMap. Retrieved from: https://www.openstreetmap.org/user/Bayazid%20Ahmed/diary