As I reflect on my journey to the State of the Map Nigeria 2023 (SotM Nigeria 2023) conference, the words that come to mind are unforgettable, inspiring, and hopeful. This year’s event was a unique blend of challenges and triumphs, new friendships, and a shared vision for the future of open mapping in Nigeria.

Unforgettable Connections: The most remarkable aspect of SotM Nigeria 2023 was the people I had the privilege to meet. Despite the challenges posed by limited funds and logistical hurdles, participants from different corners of Nigeria and beyond gathered in Abuja with a shared passion for open mapping. Each conversation was a new opportunity to learn, collaborate, and inspire one another.

Inspiring Endeavors: The conference sessions were a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. From innovative mapping technologies to community-led projects, the presentations showcased the incredible work happening within the Nigerian open mapping community. The dedication of speakers, volunteers, and attendees left me inspired and eager to contribute to these initiatives.

Hope for the Future: While navigating the constraints of limited funds, we shared a collective hope for a brighter future. The challenges we faced underscored the importance of growing support for open mapping in Nigeria. I was fortunate to witness the commitment of the organizing team as they worked tirelessly to make the event a success, and I left with hope that future SotM Nigeria conferences will have the resources needed to flourish.

SotM Nigeria 2023 was a testament to the resilience of the open mapping community in Nigeria. Despite the obstacles, we came together, learned, shared, and celebrated our common goal. The connections made, knowledge gained, and the spirit of collaboration will continue to inspire me as I work towards a more vibrant open mapping landscape in Nigeria.

As I wrap up this diary entry, I’m filled with gratitude for the opportunity to be a part of this remarkable event. While we faced financial challenges, we’re optimistic that next year will bring even more support and resources for SotM Nigeria. The journey continues, and I’m excited to see how we’ll shape the future of open mapping in our beautiful nation.

Thank you, SotM Nigeria 2023, for an unforgettable and inspiring experience. #SotM #SotMNigeria #SotMNigeria2023 #TomTom #HOT #MiyaAcademy #SciStarters #OSMNigeria #OSM

Many of my StreetComplete edits over the past few days were from a moving car, hence they might be a bit disjointed.

In a world where technology is at our fingertips, it is easy to forget that not every corner of the globe has been extensively mapped or can enjoy the benefits of modern cartography. This is especially true in regions torn by conflict, where infrastructure and basic services have been devastated. South Sudan, a nation born out of conflict, is one such place where mapping takes on a unique and critical role.

South Sudan, the world’s youngest country, has been grappling with conflict since its inception in 2011. The violence has often been drawn along tribal lines, making reconciliation and rebuilding particularly challenging. In such a fragile post-conflict environment, the work of organizations like OSM South Sudan takes on profound importance.

The OSM South Sudan Initiative

OSM South Sudan, an open mapping community, has taken up the mantle of mapping the nation’s remote and conflict-affected areas. Mapping in such an environment is not just about geographical data; it is a tool for social healing, reconciliation, and empowerment. The volunteers involved in OSM South Sudan are driven by the belief that the act of mapping can foster peace and unity in a divided land.

Concept Mapping as a Starting Point

To initiate this endeavor, OSM South Sudan starts with a fundamental step – concept mapping. The first phase of their approach is all about introducing the local communities to the concept of mapping in a way that resonates with their everyday lives. By asking simple questions like, “What would you do before you build a house?” the volunteers create a bridge between mapping and the participants’ own experiences.

The answers to such questions typically revolve around planning and organization. This insight is then used to show the communities how maps can be vital tools for planning the growth and development of their localities. By relating mapping to their immediate needs and aspirations, the volunteers ensure that mapping becomes more than just a technical endeavor; it becomes a means to an end - a path towards better lives.

Building Bridges through Mapping

One of the most ingenious aspects of OSM South Sudan’s approach is that they encourage members of different ethnic tribes to map their respective locations. As these volunteers from various backgrounds work together to map their lands, they discover the richness and diversity of South Sudan’s cultures. This process leads to the realization that there is much they didn’t know about each other. The gaps in understanding between different tribes start to close as they collaborate on the common goal of mapping.

Mapping becomes a neutral ground where the volunteers can come together, learn from one another, and appreciate the cultural tapestry that makes up South Sudan. By doing so, they challenge preconceived notions and stereotypes about other ethnic groups. This approach promotes cultural exchange, tolerance, and acceptance, which are essential for building a harmonious and peaceful coexistence.

Challenges and Opportunities

Undoubtedly, mapping in a post-conflict environment like South Sudan comes with its fair share of challenges. Security concerns, limited infrastructure, and the ongoing impacts of conflict can impede mapping efforts. Yet, OSM South Sudan chooses to view these challenges as opportunities. They see an opportunity to rebuild not only infrastructure but also the social fabric of the nation.

In such an environment, the work of volunteers in the OSM South Sudan community is invaluable. They are not just cartographers; they are peacemakers, educators, and community builders. They are charting a new course for South Sudan, one where maps not only guide the way but also heal old wounds and unite divided communities.

Conclusion

Mapping in a conflict zone like South Sudan is a multifaceted endeavor that goes beyond the creation of geographical data. It is a bridge to understanding, a path to reconciliation, and a tool for empowerment. OSM South Sudan’s approach, grounded in concept mapping and community involvement, offers a beacon of hope for a nation ravaged by conflict. It shows us that even in the most challenging circumstances, the act of mapping can pave the way for a brighter, more united future. Through mapping, South Sudan is not just finding its way on the map, but also on the path to lasting peace.

OpenStreetMap is a map of the world, created by people like you and free to use under an open license.

OpenStreetMap is a map of the world, created by people like you and free to use under an open license.

OpenStreetMap is a map of the world, created by people like you and free to use under an open license.

It’s another previllage and opportunity to be the part of community volunteers an also selected as travel grantee to attend the hybrid state of the Map conference in Abuja in collaboration with national research and development agency (NARSDA). It was very inspiring moment and knowledge shared was super amazing. I’m getting so much interesting In researching with geospatial tools after the presentation of Afrigis, cartoscope and scistarter and Geoffrey keganttera presentation on food production system, An also discussed about technical support to local community members of open street Map foundation and sponsorship. I’ll like to appreciate the west and North African hub(WNH) for there special support to unique Mappers network Nigeria and other international donor. Looking forward to appreciate each and everyone for there time and sharing vital thought this hybrid conference. I therefore I want to appreciate national research and development agency ( NARSDA) for collaboration and opportunities. I want to use medium to appreciate our national coordinator for his super capacity coordination and knowledgeable experience share.

SotM Nigeria 2023 ended well to God be the glory. There was a lot of inspiration I got from the conference. I met with new people and the like. During the conference, we the females use it as an avenue to celebrate International Girl’s Child Day. Where I presented a talk on “how to use technology to fight against genital female mutilation”. I liked and explained how to leverage the technology such as 1. Information and Education, 2. Online support and counseling, 3. Create a chatbot, 4. Develop a mobile app that can help in data collection. In the cause of this, a call was put through to a lady who shared her experience at the age of 21, with 7 months pregnancy, her father took her to where she was mutilated. I benefited from the conference as one of the travel grantee. #Unique mappers network Nigeria #HOT #WNhubsummit #Oyomappersteam.

OpenStreetMap is a map of the world, created by people like you and free to use under an open license.

Along the way the way the journey became rough but we still reached our destination. The conference started on the 11th of october 2023, i learnt alot and what really inspired me was the talk of the OSM secretary who talked about how the OSM community was formed,their challenges as well as how they persevered. I also got to meet a lot of new interesting people and it was fun. As a travel grantee, it was a priviledge as this was the first time I was visiting abuja

Thank you UniqueMappersNetwork Thank you our sponsors Proud UniqueMapper #UniqueMappersNetwork #SOTMNIGERIA2023

OpenStreetMap is a map of the world, created by people like you and free to use under an open license.

OpenStreetMap is a map of the world, created by people like you and free to use under an open license.

OpenStreetMap is a map of the world, created by people like you and free to use under an open license.

Review of Wealdstone Town Centre road layouts: banned turns, one way streets, bus stop locations

Banned turns reflected at Station Road, Edgware; Woodcock Hill, Kenton

Resolution of local notes in Burnt Oak

The Impact of the just held IGF (Internet Governance Forum) on Open Knowledge Access and Open Source Tools in South Sudan

OpenStreetMap is a map of the world, created by people like you and free to use under an open license.

OpenStreetMap is a map of the world, created by people like you and free to use under an open license.

OpenStreetMap is a map of the world, created by people like you and free to use under an open license.

OpenStreetMap is a map of the world, created by people like you and free to use under an open license.

OpenStreetMap is a map of the world, created by people like you and free to use under an open license.

Today, during lunch break, I went on my first survey sortie. Up until now, I mostly mapped from home based on local knowledge and info found online. But I want to add house numbers to the town I live in and the only way to do it properly is to get out there!

It went pretty well, even though some people found suspicious a guy just lurking around with his phone out. I’ll keep going over the next few days, it’s actually a lot of fun! :D

If your reading this, then your probably seen one of my edits and want to know me. My Name is Yahia Darweesh and i really like to map things,

OpenStreetMap is a map of the world, created by people like you and free to use under an open license.

Just got into this, very new.

The staff of the Northern New Mexico Welcome Center in Chama NM tells people not to rely on their GPS around here because it tends to be incorrect. It’s true. Google Maps has the wrong businesses listed at a location, anywhere from a few hundred feet to over a mile away. OSM for the area is barely touched as many of the businesses and buildings are not demarcated in any way.

So here I go! Hoping to do some good map editing in the area and expecting some OG OSM editors to swiftly tell me what I’m doing wrong.

OpenStreetMap is a map of the world, created by people like you and free to use under an open license.

OpenStreetMap is a map of the world, created by people like you and free to use under an open license.

Przystanek Wapienne to urokliwe miejsce, położone w najmniejszym polskim uzdrowisku, na skraju Magurskiego Parku Narodowego, tuż przy szlaku turystycznym prowadzącym z/na wieżę widokową pod Ferdlem. To sprawia, że Przystanek jest chętnie odwiedzanym miejscem przez miłośników turystyki pieszej i rowerowej.

Na Przystanku można odpocząć od miejskiego zgiełku, przy akompaniamencie ptaków, cicho szemrzącego strumyka, szumu drzew, delektować się pyszną kawą czy smakować regionalnej kuchni przygotowywanej przez gospodarzy w oryginalny sposób, na ognisku.

Przystanek to też miejsce spotkań, wystaw plenerowych czy kameralnych koncertów pod pięknym, Beskidzkim niebem.

Zapraszamy na Przystanek ❤️ #ZaOstatniąLatarnią

OpenStreetMap is a map of the world, created by people like you and free to use under an open license.

We purchased 10 acres of land at this location

OpenStreetMap is a map of the world, created by people like you and free to use under an open license.

I’ve been diligently putting some truly boring information about my local High Street. Removing shops that don’t exist, adding new ones and adjusting opening times. It’s a shame businesses do not feel the need to do it themselves on OSM. I was wondering why is this, but then I realised that none of the navigation application I am using displays this information. I can check it on the Every Door and that’s pretty much it. Google Maps, by comparison, makes it really easy to see it and at the same time warns you of closing times, which makes it really practical in urban setting.

Having made comparison to the Map-That-Cannot-Be-Named, I realised how inaccurate Her* data is for my immediate neighbourhood. I’ve looked up some other places and though it would always take me more or less to the right location, the exact positions or addresses were off by quite some margin. At the same time, kudos to the interpolation heuristics that can find approximate addresses even in the absence of good data.

Especially that I am now realising how difficult addressing is. In my naivety I always though of streets as linear objects, with Hausdorff dimension 1 and ordered house numbers perhaps with an odd/even partition. Couldn’t be more wrong. I need to file a request to change the name of Dale Lane to Fractal Lane or Hausdorff Street (strasse?) to celebrate its many dendritic offshoots and arbitrary switch from consecutive ordering to odd/even ordering.

*Maps are feminine, right? Just like ships or cars.

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OpenStreetMap is a map of the world, created by people like you and free to use under an open license.

OpenStreetMap is a map of the world, created by people like you and free to use under an open license.

OpenStreetMap is a map of the world, created by people like you and free to use under an open license.

OpenStreetMap is a map of the world, created by people like you and free to use under an open license.

OpenStreetMap is a map of the world, created by people like you and free to use under an open license.

OpenStreetMap is a map of the world, created by people like you and free to use under an open license.

OpenStreetMap is a map of the world, created by people like you and free to use under an open license.

OpenStreetMap is a map of the world, created by people like you and free to use under an open license.

OpenStreetMap is a map of the world, created by people like you and free to use under an open license.

OpenStreetMap is a map of the world, created by people like you and free to use under an open license.