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

I made it an obligation to participate in this years edition of the SOTM Nigeria. I must say, it was worth it; because the various topics presented during this year’s conference opened up my mind to new possibilities in the world of GIS. Thank you SOTM Nigeria, see you in Lagos in 2024!

Over the last few months, I’ve been filling out the houses and buildings in southwest London because I’m bored and have taken a strange fixation on improving the map in this way.

I have noted a few things over the last few months, particularly how the addresses to flats and rows of townhouses are managed. when marking out an area for a building of flats it only lets me put one address in, when flats typically have multiple addresses attached to the same physical building.

Not a major drawback at the moment but this is the main reason im not filling addresses in as there are typicaly more than one address attached to each building. Im not a coder here but this is my mild wednesday musing put on paper.

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.

Reflecting on my experience at the SOTM Nigeria 2023 conference in Abuja, I can only describe it as an extraordinary blend of education and inspiration. The paper presentations were nothing short of eye-opening, shedding light on various facets of mapping, including cartography and geography. What made this experience truly enriching was the opportunity to interact and obtain ideas with distinguished professors, seasoned cartographers, accomplished geographers, and fellow mapping enthusiasts. Moreover, I had the privilege of contributing to the conference’s success by joining the volunteer team. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Victor Sunday the coordinator of Unique Mappers for his organizing and chairing the conference, I sincerely appreciate the organizers, partners, sponsors, both for the conference in creating an amazing and enlightening event, and for the grant, as I await the promised refund to the entire volunteer team who came from Enugu State to Abuja for the conference, Obasanjo Space Centre, Municipal Area Council, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria. #SotM2023 #HOTopensummit #TomTom #UMT #LionMappers #AfriGist #NASRDA #SciStarter #WNHub #MiyaAcademy #OSM #OSMNigeria

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.

Jestem tu nowy ja nie wiem o co chodzi tak szczerze, czy ktoś mi wyjaśni haha bo fajna apka ale troszkę się zagubiłem

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.

My reflection on the SotM Nigeria 2023 conference, lots of experience gained, meeting new people, learning new skills and sharing knowledge about OpenStreetMap, Open source data, local community inclusion and a lot more about the geospatial industry in Nigeria and the globe were incredible and amazing. regardless of challenges pose we overcame and conference was a success.

Lesson Learnt: The SotM 2023 has triggered my passion for OpenStreetMap volunteerism, local community inclusion & development and humanitarian response to open mapping, it has connected me to geospatial experts from different location of Nigeria and across, indeed it was privilege to meet with Mentors geospatial industry, each bit of conversation was an opportunity for learning, inspiring and collaboration for me.

Knowledge Gained: the knowledge gain was really mind – blowing. presentation made by different participants, were absolutely inspiring, well-tailored. With the likes Prof. Joseph Oloukoi, (AfriGist), Maron Mikel (OSM foundation), Letwin Pondo (SciStarter), Geoffrey Ketaregga (HOT Community project Lead) and others presenters has deepened the knowledge of open mapping and local community inclusion.

Challenge pose: Inadequate fund to support the conference was the major challenge of SotM 2023 conference, which has disbalance the logistical planning and other arrangement but I saw resilience, commitment, tirelessness of the Local organizing committee towards the success of the conference.

Future Hope SotM 2024: I look forward to SotM 2024 regardless of financial constraints posed at SotM 2023, that will not underscore relevant of open mapping and geospatial infrastructure in Nigeria. I believe in collaborative efforts of all individuals, as I was fortunate to witness the commitment and tireless effort of the organizing team, I look forward to SotM 2024, were we all work, meet and share knowledge and the trending happening of Open source and geospatial field.

In conclusion, it is an opportunity to be part of this remarkable event. my Appreciation also goes to the Conference chair, Mr. Victor N. Sunday for his tireless effort and other team member working behind the scene.

Akor, Daniel Enechojo

Thank you. SotM Nigeria 2023, for this mind - blowing event. #SotM2023 #HOTopensummit #TomTom #UMT #AfriGist #NASRDA #SciStarter #WNHub #MiyaAcademy #OSM #OSMNigeria

Hi, I am Mahjabin, a undergrad student from Computer Science and Engineering Background from Eastern University. Additionally, I am the President of YouthMappers at Eastern University, Bangladesh. Through this chapter, I have came to know about OSM like two years ago, but I mainly focused on working with the existing map data for project by using Python or simply saying geocoding. I guess I got a practical experience why mapping in OSM is very much necessary as much as using the data, because when working with disaster management projects, I faced a lack of data in my area so I have started making small edits in my free time as well as working map data because my main focus is in that. I hope to contribute to OSM or open data overall as much as I can.

UNIQUE MAPPER A Poem by Cyrus Aladja

Growing up and coming into age Really never belonged, truly felt different Like a bird, free to roam never in a cage Now it’s dawn I clearly see and here’s the difference

It strange nor weird, oh this bird is no freak It’s long overdue, this bird is no longer shy Maybe by chance it hatched in a pen with chicks But it’s time now to take its place in the sky

High up in the clouds to see the world and conquer Coasts to coasts, nations to nations, city to city all therein Cause now all eyes can see this bird’s a wonder Flying on Eagle’s wings, with grace and so so serene

Now it’s clear, the bird is unique Created and formed by our maker A bird high in the clouds is unique! This bird is a unique mapper

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.

visit to self

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.

Sotm Nigeria 2023 Abuja was very very impactful to me. Especially, having the privilege to present a topic titled ‘The Role Of Open Street Map On Emergency response. I want to use this opportunity to say thank you to all our sponsors for paving way for some volunteers who could not afford it to the conference physically, by giving grant which I also benefited from it. I’m looking forward to mapping more using open street maps and having more opportunities to participate in conferences and events coming up in the merest future. Once again I say thank you, I really do appreciate. 🙏

On arrival at the capital city of Nigeria (Abuja) on Tuesday, it was a hectic one as I made a 12hrs commute to the venue of the conference. On getting to Abuja I felt relief of the stress finally getting to my destination. Welcome to the FCT (I said to my self) as I was so glad to have arrived safely. Fast forward to the conference, 11th October, the long expected day finally came. As an active member of the Local organizing Committee I have been involved in the planning of the conference playing different roles such as fund raising and partnership with sponsors. As a volunteer member of HOT OpenSummit 2023/2024, I was given the role to produce SWAG kits to participants. Though this role came with a short notice, I was able to deliver with the aid of my team lead Dana and Giovanna. Many thanks to Chinenye who made things easier for me. And more thanks to HOT Open Summit for the support. There were just too many exciting moments in the conference that I can’t mention all. However, I can’t forget the session I took in celebrating the International Day of the Girl Child. We had a panel of discussion which I anchored to talk about Female Genital Mutilation as a dangerous practice against the girl child which needs to be eliminated. My panelists were able to buttress on the cultural perspective of FGM and how we can use digital technology to solve the problem in our generation. Mrs Mary pointed out that mapping vulnerable communities for humanitarian and social response is one of many ways to solving the problem of FGM in Nigeria. We were able to interview a victim during the discussion and she hinted that FGM is evil and need to be totally eliminated. As a girl child advocate and community engagement organization, we went further to schools within Abuja to talk to girls on the theme of the International Day of the Girl Child (Digital generation, our generation). After the brief talk with them, we were able to gift the girls sanitary pads to celebrate the day with them. There were host of other presentations that was so insightful like that of Ian Tobia and Eromosele John’s presentations. It was a great time and experience for me and I had meet and greet sessions with friends and networked with other organizations. Miya Academy which was one of the supporters of the conference was one of our Sponsors too. Thanks to Dr. Victor Sunday Coordinator of Unique Mappers for organizing and chairing the conference. Thanks to my wonderful mentor Preet Kukreja and her team for the support they rendered towards the procurement of the sanitary pads. Thanks to my best friend Ian Tobia, and to Eromosele John, Priscilla Zekeni, Chinenye Ufondu for their support and friendship. Thanks to all the Local Organizing Committee for the cooperation and team work. Thanks to Unique Mappers Network Nigeria for the platform and big thanks to all our sponsors @HOT OpenSummit @Orodata @Miya Academy and others and a host of others.

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 the part of local organizing committee (LOC) beand community volunteers and also selected as travel grantee to attend the hybrid state of the Map conference in Abuja Nigeria. collaborations 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 in Uganda was very educative . And also discussed more 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 . (Afrigist)(URL) *##@{Alt picture}URL

It’s another previllage and opportunity to the part of local organizing committee (LOC) beand community volunteers and also selected as travel grantee to attend the hybrid state of the Map conference in Abuja Nigeria. collaborations 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 in Uganda was very educative . And also discussed more 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 . (Text)(URL

At the 44th International Conference and AGM, I headed the Rapporteur of the academic section. It was inspired and educative.

It was indeed a great privilege attending the SOTM Nigeria 2023 conference in Abuja, at the Obasanjo Space Centre.

I was also a participant last year at the maiden edition of the SOTM conference 2022 in Port Harcourt. This participation aroused my interest and I have not looked back ever since. This year my very good friend and sister Hopeful Bafamodei invited me to be a part of the panel that talked about the cultural perception of genital mutilation. Thereafter my co panelist shared how mapping is needed to get data from areas identified as code red, where genital mutilation is being practised and how with the use of these data collected, help can come to such communities. Right there we had a live participant who shared her experience of what she had to go through in the hands of her very own father. I want to appreciate most importantly Dr Victor Sunday and all the LOC who made this event possible, The presentations made by Ian Tobia, Makcron, Eromosele and Hopeful, thought me one thing…….RESILIENCE. My passion for this conference is growing by the day and I am looking forward to more engaging content to be discussed during future events.

Hi, I use Street Complete a fair bit and it often shows up buildings with their areas drawn and asks what type of building it is.

But when I map some areas, the online editor won’t let me close the save set without having features for each area. If I choose generic “building” I don’t think StreetComplete is asking me anything at all, as though it has been settled.

So what’s a default feature for an unknown building (or unknown area for that matter - some bright white objects are very hard to tell if concrete, on the ground or a roof.) ??

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

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.