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.

wow!

i’m loving open street maps! never gave it the time of day before ;)

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.

Do we (OSM) have a league table for all countries/ entities (non-countries?), which is based on the quality of OSM mapping in that country?

I ask this question, because I was undertaking a MapRoulette challenge, to help with mapping in Algiers, and although some pockets of excellent mapping existed, it seemed clear that this was very much the exception.

• 
  How do we gather metrics, to assess the quality of mapping in a given country, so that quality can be improved?
  
• 
  How do we engage with the ‘local’ OSM community, to perhaps help them to improve mapping?
  
• 
  Can we define a regular (and repeatable) set of MapRoulette challenges, that would enable remote mapping to be carried out, in support of ‘hands-on’ mapping/ surveying carried out by ‘locals on the ground’?
  
• 
  How do we publicise tools such as StreetComplete, to help populate the data/ metadata of a country, in order to build upon the ‘big picture’ data that is gathered?
  
• 
  What are we missing, above?

Please add to this, and edit, as appropriate.

Many thanks,

Chris

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.

The list of the projects for Slovakia supported by tools developed by local community (assorted by importance):

• house numbers adding
• cyclo routes adding
• tracks adding (based on strava heatmap)
• new bildings adding based on ortophoto
• waterways adding
• railways tracks (re-)numbering
• cry me a river - river precising
• run forest run - forests’ precising

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.

First of all, in case anyone’s reading this, hi! Then to the topic. I’m trying out armchair mapping for once with the help of aerial imagery. It’s a lot of fun and gives me a reason to look into the infrastructure and mapping habits around the world. Especially Japan, they have incredibly engineered cities which are also cramped with things. And the mapping work people have done is also respectable.

Though with this type of mapping I have to be a lot more careful with my edits, I’m afraid of adding wrong data due to my misinterpretation of aerial imagery. When you’re out there on the streets yourself adding single nodes (benches, trashcans), there’s no worry of making errors.

احصل علي افضل اخشاب العود الان

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

متجر مختص في بيع العود ودهن العود وتنفيذ طلبات الهدايا والتوزيعات لمناسباتكم الخاصه احصل الان علي افخم الاعواد الطبيعية من متجرنا Oudkom نقدم منتجات بجودة عالية وبسعر مناسب للجميع

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.

Generalization of extraction of example codes, tabular data and Infoboxes from MediaWikis such as OSM.wiki

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.

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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.

THE BEGINNING: Let’s do a reunion in Kosovo! That was my first reaction when I was first introduced to the idea of FOSS4G conference last year (when I was still in New Zealand) by our host Gresa Neziri, one of the main persons at the event, and a dear friend. Luka and Slavica, my two other Balkan friends were also joining. Exciting! Although, I have moved away from spatial data analysis for my research, the opportunity to reconnect with old friends from ITC, Netherlands and potentially connect my research on disasters and ethics with spatial planning was an opportunity I did not want to miss.

Once it was decided I would be a part of this grand event, I got involved as part of the academic track committee prior to the event. I reviewed few abstracts to be presented at the conference and already I found myself slowly getting into the world of geospatial data and its incredible utility. I was now looking forward to participating in academic and non-academic presentations and workshops, in particular that were related to disasters and humanitarian activities. To make my journey smooth two factors played a key role. First, the travel grants. I received a grant from FOSS4G for my contribution as an academic track committee member and a volunteer. An additional grant from Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (HOT) Tech & Innovation team was indeed a bonus which not only eased my travels, but more importantly, introduced me to a wonderful group of people doing work that piqued my interest and with whom I hope to collaborate in research work in coming months/years. Second, I was lucky that I was already in Sweden by the time the event was happening. This meant that with my Swedish residence permit I avoided many of the visa hassles that some of my fellow travelers to Kosovo had to endure. I acknowledge the determination and patience of these travelers who nonetheless became a part of this wonderful event and I hope that it was worth it. Additionally, I would like to thank the organizers who created telegram group dedicated for travel information to and within Kosovo which allowed people like me to receive, share information, and connect with fellow participants.

THE MIDDLE: I arrived on Sunday late night at Prizren, a day before the beginning of the conference. I had already met two fellow participants from India at Pristina airport, courtesy of the travel group, and we travelled to the venue. Once at the venue, it was as pleasant as I had imagined seeing my old friends which only grew with over time throughout the conference. The feeling of untethered ease of conversation, a cozy sensation of shared and enjoyable memories, and a reinforced certainty of having friends around the world is as wonderful as it sounds.

The next five days went by in a blink of an eye. The workshops on the first few days were mostly busy and brimming with enthusiastic discussions and commentary. I joined the HOT side event, which was interesting and educational, although I have my reservations on the ethical sides of collecting and disseminating sensitive data collected during and in the aftermath of disasters. In the following days, I attend few presentations that interested me. Many of them too technical for my limited comprehension, but it was wonderful to see the depth and breadth of conversations throughout. I remember having a conversation with Marco Bernasocchi, the creator of QField for QGIS. His key note speech was about ‘the importance of seeding’ and we discussed the potential ethical implications of use of QField now that it is a massive tool used by the open GIS community. Hopefully, I have seeded an idea regarding incorporating ethical values into technical tools, if that is even possible.

I was also glad that I got to join my friends along with additional friends from our batch at ITC, Lucas, Rossa, and Miguel with other ITC alumni who were present at the conference. It was a further reminder of the broader networks I have around the world that I can tap into for work as well as pleasure.

During the event, I even chaired a session, that too with Gresa as one of the presenters. I am proud of my friend who not only had a major role in organizing the event, running the event, the life of the social events, but she also managed to write a good academic paper and present it. To see her grow as an individual to become a good leader was a joy to witness. A great thing about this event was the active and joyful participation of the volunteers in managing this massive event. I was only a part time volunteer, so my gratitude to all the dedicated volunteers that made my first FOSS4G attendance a memorable event. Special thanks to the Angel volunteers.

The FOSS4G conference was different than many others I have been a part of. The niche things such as official merch-the organic material well designed t-shirts, the always ready to serve bar, excellent food in terms of variety, quality and quantity, temporary tattoos, stickers and badges of various kinds, and a chill and casual atmosphere all around was a welcome surprise compared to often formal, too structured, and almost elitist vibe you encounter in some conferences. The formal blazer and dress shoes that I packed remained in the suitcase throughout. Thank god.

The best thing, however, that FOSS4G sets itself apart from other events is perhaps the karaoke nights and the subsequent late night after party (until 4-5 AM next day!) that happened every night. There was even a concert. Often, conferences are places to exchange ideas, are serious, dull, and are confined within intellectual interactions, and misses the humanness that reveals itself while dancing and singing and laughing and joking around. Such moments are what most people crave for and are often the basis of long-lasting friendships and work partnerships. Since this was my first FOSS4G conference I am not sure if the social and chill atmosphere is the norm and not the exception, but I hope going forward in Brazil, it continues. I also hope that Brazil takes better care of internet connections and networking issues which is my only complaint from this entire event.

THE END: The FOSS4G main conference ended on Friday, but two more days of code sprint remained. One thing that stood out on Saturday was that the bar was open for everyone, free of cost! But mind you, self-service. I wonder if future hosting cities can top that. Saturday was also the day of goodbyes as Luka and Slavica were leaving, I hope to see them again soon. I roamed around the beautiful city of Prizren later that day while many other participants went to FOSS4G organized field trips. A nice long hike to the ruins situated on the hill led to a beautiful view of the city of Prizren.

The next day I left for Pristina, but I was still surrounded with people from the conference during the few more days I spent in Pristina for dinners, lunch, drinks, and even shopping. At a personal level, one of the things I enjoyed the most throughout my time in Kosovo is connecting with new people and talking about anything and everything. I am certain many of the new connections I have made are going to be lasting friendships. Some of the Japanese people I met, I will most likely meet them in my upcoming visit to Japan, and the HOT group, I hope to work with in the coming days. The friends I got to meet who are too many to name here, I intend to keep in touch through social media.

Finally, I thank the hosts for their hospitality and everyone else who contributed in one way or another to make this a beautiful and memorable experience.