YouthMappers at 10:
A Decade of Mapping for Impact
On November 17, 2025, YouthMappers marks its 10th anniversary: a decade of empowering young people worldwide to create and use open mapping and geospatial technologies for good.
​
What began in 2015 as a bold idea has grown into a global movement: thousands of students, more than 400 university chapters, across 80+ countries, contributing over 26 million OpenStreetMap edits that have impacted the lives of 68 million people. Together, we’ve built maps that save lives, advance sustainable development, and strengthen resilience in the face of global challenges. More than maps, we’ve built a thriving, connected community of passionate, skilled, and socially driven leaders.
​
This anniversary is not just about looking back—it’s about coming together to reflect, connect, and be inspired for what comes next. To celebrate this milestone, we’ll host in-person and virtual celebrations, launch special mapping campaigns, and highlight the voices and stories of the people who make YouthMappers what it is today.
​
​
Keep exploring this page to learn how to take part in the celebrations and discover the story of YouthMappers—ten years of impact, community, and global change.
Looking Back:
Mapping Our Journey
Launched on Capitol Hill in 2015, YouthMappers was formed in partnership with the USAID GeoCenter and three founding universities. Read more about the founding of the network in our book: Open Mapping towards Sustainable Development Goals.
Click on each year to explore the key milestones in our journey.
OUr ANNIVERSARY Partners & sponsors
​As we celebrate this milestone, we extend a special thank you to the partners and sponsors who are making our 10th Anniversary celebrations possible. Your support ensures that this community continues to flourish and inspire the next generation of leaders.​
The American Geographical Society
AGS
Interested in supporting our work? Join us in shaping the next decade of YouthMappers by becoming a donor or sponsor. Your contribution will help sustain our programming, expand opportunities for students worldwide, and amplify the impact of our anniversary year. To learn more or get involved, please contact us at info@youthmappers.org