Today is my introduction to OSM through an internship process by Mr Samson who take as through an online intern, we are getting into it before you know it and this will mark the start of one of the greatest open street mappers who has ver been born, am actually learning a lot from this process and looking forward to contributing so much to the members of the community, we wanna make Uganda great and make my village the best in the world
Introduction
Today is my introduction to OSM through an internship process by Mr Samson who take as through an online intern, we are getting into it before you know it and this will mark the start of one of the greatest open street mappers who has ver been born, …OpenStreetMap
The goal of https://openclimbing.org is to offer a non-commercial alternative to traditional climbing apps. Instead of filling private databases, we decided to design a structure for mapping climbing routes directly into OpenStreetMap.
Openclimbing.org - climbing guides & topos in OpenStreetMap
The goal of https://openclimbing.org is to offer a non-commercial alternative to traditional climbing apps. Instead of filling private databases, we decided to design a structure for mapping climbing routes directly into OpenStreetMap.OpenStreetMap
UM980 is relatively affordable chip allowing multi-constellation multi-frequency GNSS with capability to provide raw phase measurements and hence potentially suitable for use in OpenStreetMap environment for precise mapping susing RTK.
What food is there - and can I get a wheelchair in?
I had a fantastic time at SOTM US. Thanks to all at OSM US for their work putting the event together.
Just reached 1000 edits, so thought it would be good to dump what I have learnt so far.
I started using OSM during the COVID 19 lockdown living in Hampshire, there were many walks available but the routes were not always clear on google maps. OSM was far better and I used it for information about walks before proceding. The level of detail was great and really useful.
Fast forward to 2023 and I decide to start contributing using StreetComplete and MapComplete. I drive an Electric vehicle and the information on charge points is so obscure I wanted to contribute. This led me down a rabbit hole of StreetComplete, filling in addresses, road surfaces, bus stop shelter. Anything and everything. I learnt the importance of information that would be useful to users.
Only in the last year, have I picked up mapping, this time using ID editor, chnaging tags was a little daunting but I slowly got there. I noticed some areas around me were missing house numbers. I learnt the importance of doing a survey on foot. There’s so much to learn from looking around IRL.
The last few weeks, I have been mapping out areas that had no buildings, only Residential Areas. A few thousand terraced houses later (feels like it) and quite a few places are on the map around Yarmouth (yeah I moved from Hampshire in this time!). Most imporatntly, check the alignment of background layers before starting a new edit! It is also useful to turn off layers not used, really makes things easier to see.
Latest update, I own a drone and can produce aerial images, very useful for areas not on Bing maps. This also gives me access to a 3D view of the area, very useful for double checking my survey notes!
Maybe I’ll do another one of these at 2000 edits?
I started using OSM during the COVID 19 lockdown living in Hampshire, there were many walks available but the routes were not always clear on google maps. OSM was far better and I used it for information about walks before proceding. The level of detail was great and really useful.
Fast forward to 2023 and I decide to start contributing using StreetComplete and MapComplete. I drive an Electric vehicle and the information on charge points is so obscure I wanted to contribute. This led me down a rabbit hole of StreetComplete, filling in addresses, road surfaces, bus stop shelter. Anything and everything. I learnt the importance of information that would be useful to users.
Only in the last year, have I picked up mapping, this time using ID editor, chnaging tags was a little daunting but I slowly got there. I noticed some areas around me were missing house numbers. I learnt the importance of doing a survey on foot. There’s so much to learn from looking around IRL.
The last few weeks, I have been mapping out areas that had no buildings, only Residential Areas. A few thousand terraced houses later (feels like it) and quite a few places are on the map around Yarmouth (yeah I moved from Hampshire in this time!). Most imporatntly, check the alignment of background layers before starting a new edit! It is also useful to turn off layers not used, really makes things easier to see.
Latest update, I own a drone and can produce aerial images, very useful for areas not on Bing maps. This also gives me access to a 3D view of the area, very useful for double checking my survey notes!
Maybe I’ll do another one of these at 2000 edits?
Didn’t think would see a day(again) where I have to use tor with bridge as proxy AND a vpn for accessing internet including OSM and it’s wiki but here we are… Sighs🤦🤦🤦
Those guys at government always can and will shock/surprise civilians to the death (yet again)
Never a dull moment!
Those guys at government always can and will shock/surprise civilians to the death (yet again)
Never a dull moment!
ah shit, here we go again
Didnt think would see a day(again) where I have to use tor with bridge as proxy AND a vpn for accessing internet including OSM and its wiki but here we are Sighs 🤦🤦🤦OpenStreetMap
Enthusiastic ▪︎ Speculator ▪︎ Adaptable Loves to travel, close to nature, humble towards animals, stubborn towards life.
Hi everyone. I recently started contributing to the map around my university’s campus, and I thought I should get in touch with the community a little. I’ve only labeled major buildings in the campus plus some road fixups, but I hope to continue contributing more to the map around here.
Oh yeah, this account is old, but I don’t even remember having it until I tried to sign up lol.
Oh yeah, this account is old, but I don’t even remember having it until I tried to sign up lol.
Hello, OSM!
Hi everyone. I recently started contributing to the map around my universitys campus, and I thought I should get in touch with the community a little.OpenStreetMap
I typically write my notes in English when they can be resolved by anyone. Even residents from another country than Sweden.
Om anteckningarna pekar mot att en behöver kunna förstå svenska för att fixa ett problem så tenderar skriva jag på svenska istället.
Om anteckningarna pekar mot att en behöver kunna förstå svenska för att fixa ett problem så tenderar skriva jag på svenska istället.
Language/språk
I typically write my notes in English when they can be resolved by anyone. Even residents from another country than Sweden.OpenStreetMap
Spending countless hours terracing thousands of buildings yet didnt even bother to correct the errors caused by it?
Discussion Post for MapSwipe Today and it’s future in OSM talk at SoTM US 2025
This week I’ve been mapping rural communities in Honduras, focusing on areas within the Tegucigalpa Health Region. My work has included adding paths, correcting road alignments, and identifying visible structures such as houses and community centers.
Today we at Unique Mappers did our weekly presentation were I made a presentation on Humanitarian Use of OpenStreetMap where i talked about OSM what it is why it is crucial in Humanitarian context how it provides critical data in poorly mapped or un mapped areas. I still talked about the basics( getting started with OSM), the intermediate OSM data use(Analysis and virtualization) and advanced used of OSM. I still talked about the tools and resources( software) used with OSM and example is the HOT tasking manager, QGIS [qgis.org], Umap and many other software, site, organisation using OpenStreetMap
Weekly Presentation
Today we at Unique Mappers did our weekly presentation were I made a presentation on Humanitarian Use of OpenStreetMap where i talked about OSM what it is why it is crucial in Humanitarian context how it provides critical data in poorly mapped or un …OpenStreetMap
Hi :)
I am mapping Eritrea these days and found some objects I am not able to identify. Can you help me with your wisdom?
I am mapping Eritrea these days and found some objects I am not able to identify. Can you help me with your wisdom?
As I write in my profile, I was really peeved off, that dozens of Camino Apps (apps used to track users along the Ways of St.
This blog was originally posted on my personal site:
Just a quick blog post on some coastline work I was doing.
For the OSMF Shortbread vector tiles I had to identify when coastlines has changed. The solution I came up isn’t specific to Shortbread, but is useful for anyone using the tiled ocean shapefiles.
I’m going to start by assuming that the old ocean data is in
To start I want to find any geometries that have changed. For geometries in the new data that aren’t in the old data, I can get this with a
A
SELECT ST_SymDifference(ST_Collect(old.way), ST_Collect(new.way)) AS dgeom
FROM water_polygons AS old
FULL OUTER JOIN loading.water_polygons AS new
ON old.way = new.way and old.x = new.x and old.y = new.y
WHERE new.way IS NULL OR old.way IS NULL
GROUP BY COALESCE(old.x, new.x), COALESCE(old.y, new.y)
This gets me the difference in geometries for the entire world in about two minutes. But I need tiles, which is it’s own complication.
I need to intersect the changes with potential tial geometries. This could be done by generating lots of tiles with ST_TileEnvelope, but there’s a better function. ST_SquareGrid generates the square grid that covers a geometry’s bounding box. If I use the right settings, these correspond to standard tiles. I can then exclude any that don’t intersect the geometry.
This can be done with
SELECT
...
FROM differences,
generate_series(10,14) AS z,
ST_SquareGrid(40075016.685578/2^z, differences.geom) AS squares
WHERE ST_Intersects(differences.geom, squares.geom);
But I need get the tile z/x/y numbers. ST_SquareGrid actually returns a record with a geometry, i, and j. These i and j are the position in the grid and can be converted to x and y. This math, and a bit of SQL to handle multipolygons vs. polygons lets me get a list of z/x/y
WITH nonmatch AS (
SELECT ST_SymDifference(ST_Collect(old.way), ST_Collect(new.way)) AS dgeom
FROM (select x, y, way from water_polygons) old
FULL OUTER JOIN (select x, y, way from loading.water_polygons) new
ON old.way = new.way and old.x = new.x and old.y = new.y
WHERE new.way IS NULL OR old.way IS NULL
GROUP BY COALESCE(old.x, new.x), COALESCE(old.y, new.y)),
differences AS (SELECT (ST_Dump(dgeom)).geom AS geom FROM nonmatch)
SELECT DISTINCT
z,
LEAST(GREATEST(0, squares.i+2^(z-1)), 2^z - 1) AS x,
LEAST(GREATEST(0, squares.j*-1+2^(z-1)), 2^z - 1) AS y
FROM differences,
generate_series(10,14) AS z,
ST_SquareGrid(40075016.685578/2^z, differences.geom) AS squares
WHERE ST_Intersects(differences.geom, squares.geom);
Running this on coastline data few days apart gives about 1000 tiles that need re-rendering.
For the OSMF Shortbread vector tiles I had to identify when coastlines has changed. The solution I came up isn’t specific to Shortbread, but is useful for anyone using the tiled ocean shapefiles.
I’m going to start by assuming that the old ocean data is in
water_polygons and the new data is in loading.water_polygons. Other parts of my code already handle this. The shapefiles are loaded into tables that have the columns x int, y int, way geometry.To start I want to find any geometries that have changed. For geometries in the new data that aren’t in the old data, I can get this with a
LEFT JOIN. I want a set of geometries that includes any geometries from the new data that aren’t in the old. This set can be made by excluding any geometries in the old data that have identical x, y, and binary identical geometry to a new geometry. It’s possible this set includes extra geometries, but that’s okay.A
RIGHT JOIN would find geometries in the old data that aren’t in the new. Combining these gives a FULL OUTER JOIN. If I then collect the geometries in each shapefile tile I can compare them to find the geometriesSELECT ST_SymDifference(ST_Collect(old.way), ST_Collect(new.way)) AS dgeom
FROM water_polygons AS old
FULL OUTER JOIN loading.water_polygons AS new
ON old.way = new.way and old.x = new.x and old.y = new.y
WHERE new.way IS NULL OR old.way IS NULL
GROUP BY COALESCE(old.x, new.x), COALESCE(old.y, new.y)
This gets me the difference in geometries for the entire world in about two minutes. But I need tiles, which is it’s own complication.
I need to intersect the changes with potential tial geometries. This could be done by generating lots of tiles with ST_TileEnvelope, but there’s a better function. ST_SquareGrid generates the square grid that covers a geometry’s bounding box. If I use the right settings, these correspond to standard tiles. I can then exclude any that don’t intersect the geometry.
This can be done with
SELECT
...
FROM differences,
generate_series(10,14) AS z,
ST_SquareGrid(40075016.685578/2^z, differences.geom) AS squares
WHERE ST_Intersects(differences.geom, squares.geom);
But I need get the tile z/x/y numbers. ST_SquareGrid actually returns a record with a geometry, i, and j. These i and j are the position in the grid and can be converted to x and y. This math, and a bit of SQL to handle multipolygons vs. polygons lets me get a list of z/x/y
WITH nonmatch AS (
SELECT ST_SymDifference(ST_Collect(old.way), ST_Collect(new.way)) AS dgeom
FROM (select x, y, way from water_polygons) old
FULL OUTER JOIN (select x, y, way from loading.water_polygons) new
ON old.way = new.way and old.x = new.x and old.y = new.y
WHERE new.way IS NULL OR old.way IS NULL
GROUP BY COALESCE(old.x, new.x), COALESCE(old.y, new.y)),
differences AS (SELECT (ST_Dump(dgeom)).geom AS geom FROM nonmatch)
SELECT DISTINCT
z,
LEAST(GREATEST(0, squares.i+2^(z-1)), 2^z - 1) AS x,
LEAST(GREATEST(0, squares.j*-1+2^(z-1)), 2^z - 1) AS y
FROM differences,
generate_series(10,14) AS z,
ST_SquareGrid(40075016.685578/2^z, differences.geom) AS squares
WHERE ST_Intersects(differences.geom, squares.geom);
Running this on coastline data few days apart gives about 1000 tiles that need re-rendering.
Now, let’s talk about English.
Why is English so widespread today?
Why is it such a dominant and influential language?
Is it because it’s superior?
Absolutely not. It is because English is the language of empire.
I bear no grudge against the English language itself—but I do feel profound sorrow and regret over this historical reality.
Had a different Asian country colonized yours, perhaps you would now be speaking that language instead of English—or perhaps a language even less prominent globally.
Please understand this: English is not dominant because it is better, easier to learn, or inherently more suited to communication.
Have you ever imagined a foreigner—someone who speaks a different language—breaking into a cold sweat as they struggle to understand the language and follow the flow of conversation, all while feeling overwhelmed by unfamiliar social behaviors and caught in a situation where loud, rapid chatter goes on, and on, and on, without a moment to catch up or make sense of what’s going on?
Some of you say, “No one is stopping you from speaking your native language.”
Some of you say, “Don’t just stay in your local community—come out and join the global conversation.”
But only those who are confident in their English, or those like me who cannot bear the frustration of silence, make the effort to break through the language barrier and speak here.
Would you say to that person, “No one’s stopping you—try to jump in,” or “It’s okay, just speak in your native language”?
Wouldn’t that, in fact, feel even more humiliating than simply walking away?
Why is English so widespread today?
Why is it such a dominant and influential language?
Is it because it’s superior?
Absolutely not. It is because English is the language of empire.
I bear no grudge against the English language itself—but I do feel profound sorrow and regret over this historical reality.
Had a different Asian country colonized yours, perhaps you would now be speaking that language instead of English—or perhaps a language even less prominent globally.
Please understand this: English is not dominant because it is better, easier to learn, or inherently more suited to communication.
Have you ever imagined a foreigner—someone who speaks a different language—breaking into a cold sweat as they struggle to understand the language and follow the flow of conversation, all while feeling overwhelmed by unfamiliar social behaviors and caught in a situation where loud, rapid chatter goes on, and on, and on, without a moment to catch up or make sense of what’s going on?
Some of you say, “No one is stopping you from speaking your native language.”
Some of you say, “Don’t just stay in your local community—come out and join the global conversation.”
But only those who are confident in their English, or those like me who cannot bear the frustration of silence, make the effort to break through the language barrier and speak here.
Would you say to that person, “No one’s stopping you—try to jump in,” or “It’s okay, just speak in your native language”?
Wouldn’t that, in fact, feel even more humiliating than simply walking away?
Western-centric worldview...
Now, let’s talk about English. Why is English so widespread today? Why is it such a dominant and influential language? Is it because it’s superior? Absolutely not. It is because English is the language of empire.OpenStreetMap
One person is sanding down a rusty gate,
Another is painting over the rust,
Yet another is attaching a new handle to the corroded gate,
Some are even building an entirely new gate to replace the old, rusted one
And a few are wondering, Why are they d…
Another is painting over the rust,
Yet another is attaching a new handle to the corroded gate,
Some are even building an entirely new gate to replace the old, rusted one
And a few are wondering, Why are they d…
The world of OSM, where everyone just does their own thing without coordination or adjustment.
It sometimes feels like OSM is of the West, by the West, for the West.
Over the past 20 years, OpenStreetMap has become one of the worlds largest and most impactful crowdsourcing projects.
After one more year of French administration funding (thank you!), we are so proud to have released versions 3.X of uMap since last April. Since then, we made a couple of adjustments to ease the deployment of that new version.
Cartographie OSM des dommages du bâti à Mayotte après Chido - nouveaux indicateurs et premiers résultats
Cartographie OSM des dommages du bâti à Mayotte après Chido - nouveaux indicateurs et premiers résultats
Cet article de blog a été publié à lorigine sur ce site web et a déjà été mentionné par WeeklyOSM.OpenStreetMap
Magnetic Yokes Machine Magnetic Particle Testing (MPT) is one of the most widely used non-destructive testing (NDT) methods for the detection of surface and near-surface flaws in ferromagnetic materials. The Magnetic Yoke Machine is considered one of the more popular tools used for MPT due to its portability, ease of operation, and efficacy. What is a Magnetic Yoke Machine? A Magnetic Yoke is a handheld or portable device that generates a magnetic field using either AC (Alternating Current) or DC (Direct Current). It consists of a U-shaped or C-shaped core with adjustable legs and an electromagnetic coil. Generally, once energized, it induces a magnetic field into the test piece, allowing the inspectors to check for cracks, seams, and other defects using magnetic particles. Types of Magnetic Yokes AC Yokes: Best for detecting surface cracks due to shallow penetration. DC Yokes: These offer deeper penetration and allow for identification of subsurface flaws. Permanent Magnetic Yokes: These employ strong magnets instead of electricity and are suited for hazardous environments. Electromagnetic Yokes: These require power (battery or mains) and offer adjustable strength. Advantages of Magnetic Yokes Portable and lightweight: Suitable for carrying anywhere for site inspection. Fast Setup: No additional preparations are needed. Versatile: Suitable for flat, curved, or irregular surfaces. Cost-effective: In contrast to more sophisticated NDT equipment, it is an inexpensive option. How to Use a Magnetic Yoke? Clean All Surfaces – To do this, you need to remove rust, paint, and dirt. Apply Magnetic Particles – You spray dry or wet particles. Place the Yoke – Put the legs over the area to be inspected. Magnetize and Inspect – Turn on the yoke and look for accumulation of particles at defects. Demagnetizer – Preventing residual magnetism. Conclusion The Magnetic Yoke Machine is portable, easy to use and economic test equipment for detecting surface cracks on ferromagnetic materials. It is best suited for inspection in welding, aerospace and manufacturing, ensuring quicker and more confident defect detection thereafter.
Magnetic Yoke Machine
Magnetic Yokes Machine Magnetic Particle Testing (MPT) is one of the most widely used non-destructive testing (NDT) methods for the detection of surface and near-surface flaws in ferromagnetic materials.OpenStreetMap
Today is a special day—my birthday. I woke up feeling grateful and hopeful. Another year of life is not something to take for granted. I feel happy, not just because it’s a celebration, but because I’ve come a long way, and I’m ready for more. Birthdays are not just about cake, candles, or greetings. They are about reflection, growth, and new beginnings.
As I look ahead, I’m deeply motivated to grow—not just in age, but in wisdom, character, and capacity. I want to build myself professionally and personally. My journey so far has been full of lessons, and I know there is much more to learn. I believe in continuous improvement, and that belief fuels my ambition to keep pushing forward.
This year, my focus is on professional development—gaining new skills, strengthening what I already know, and becoming more confident in my work. I plan to seek opportunities for learning, whether through training, mentorship, or real-life experience. I want to become more capable, resourceful, and impactful in everything I do.
At the same time, I also want to grow emotionally and mentally. Maturity isn’t just about work—it’s also about how we treat people, how we handle challenges, and how we understand ourselves.
So, on this birthday, I’m not just celebrating the past—I’m preparing for the future. I feel proud of the person I am becoming. I will keep dreaming, working hard, and building the life I envision.
Here’s to a new year of growth, purpose, and becoming the best version of myself.
As I look ahead, I’m deeply motivated to grow—not just in age, but in wisdom, character, and capacity. I want to build myself professionally and personally. My journey so far has been full of lessons, and I know there is much more to learn. I believe in continuous improvement, and that belief fuels my ambition to keep pushing forward.
This year, my focus is on professional development—gaining new skills, strengthening what I already know, and becoming more confident in my work. I plan to seek opportunities for learning, whether through training, mentorship, or real-life experience. I want to become more capable, resourceful, and impactful in everything I do.
At the same time, I also want to grow emotionally and mentally. Maturity isn’t just about work—it’s also about how we treat people, how we handle challenges, and how we understand ourselves.
So, on this birthday, I’m not just celebrating the past—I’m preparing for the future. I feel proud of the person I am becoming. I will keep dreaming, working hard, and building the life I envision.
Here’s to a new year of growth, purpose, and becoming the best version of myself.
Diary Entry – May 29, 2025
Today is a special day—my birthday. I woke up feeling grateful and hopeful. Another year of life is not something to take for granted. I feel happy, not just because its a celebration, but because I’ve come a long way, and I’m ready for more.OpenStreetMap
This is something I encountered mapping bike infrastructure in the Austrian town of Neuhofen an der Krems: what one might assume is a continuation of a shared bike/pedestrian path over a pretty unimportant side road is actually a legal trap for cycli…
My journey as an OpenStreetMap contributor began in 2022, with a humble yet impactful project: mapping roads in Mugu, Humla, and Jumla—three of Nepal’s most remote and mountainous districts. Since then, I’ve grown into an active mapper, dedicated validator, and proud member of the global OSM community. In 2023, I was recognized as an OSM Guru and listed among the top contributors, a reflection of my deep passion and consistency in open geodata contribution.
Areas of Focus My primary interest lies in mapping buildings and roadways, especially in critical and under-mapped areas. I’ve also actively contributed to tools like MapRoulette and MapSwipe, which help bring micro-edits and mobile contributions to the mapping ecosystem.
Highlighted Contributions “Map Roads, Make Your Way” Project Recognized as a top-quality mapper, I contributed significantly to this project—led by HOT, Open Asia Pacific Hub, KIRDARC, and OSM Nepal—focusing on mapping roads in Humla, Jumla, and Dolpa. This initiative was a pivotal moment for me, helping improve accessibility in some of the most remote regions of Nepal.
Digital and Spatial Technologies for Anticipatory Action Volunteered in this 5-day event organized by NAXA Nepal, where we mapped roads, waterways, buildings, and land use across six municipalities. Using ESRI imagery on the HOT Tasking Manager, we enhanced maps to support community resilience and disaster preparedness. We focused on: Mapping open spaces critical for evacuation and aid Digitizing health posts, schools, power lines Improving road networks and land use classifications
Global Solidarity Through Mapping Solidarity Mapathon for Myanmar (HOT) Climate Change Challenge with HOT, TOMTOM, Open Asia Hub Participated in multiple Kathmandu University mapathons—both as a mapper and organizer, including events under NEPGEOM
Building the OSM Community Beyond mapping, I’m passionate about bringing new faces to OSM. As part of Kathmandu University, I’ve helped organize several mapping events to inspire students and introduce them to open mapping tools, showing them the power of maps in building resilient, informed communities.
Final Thoughts OpenStreetMap has empowered me to merge my technical skills with real-world impact—from mountain trails to urban resilience. Whether through tracing rooftops in Nepal or roadways in Papua New Guinea, I see mapping as a meaningful act of solidarity and service. Thank you to everyone in the OSM and HOT communities for your support, collaboration, and inspiration. I’m looking forward to more shared efforts in making the world a better-mapped place. Happy Mapping! — siwangi02
Areas of Focus My primary interest lies in mapping buildings and roadways, especially in critical and under-mapped areas. I’ve also actively contributed to tools like MapRoulette and MapSwipe, which help bring micro-edits and mobile contributions to the mapping ecosystem.
Highlighted Contributions “Map Roads, Make Your Way” Project Recognized as a top-quality mapper, I contributed significantly to this project—led by HOT, Open Asia Pacific Hub, KIRDARC, and OSM Nepal—focusing on mapping roads in Humla, Jumla, and Dolpa. This initiative was a pivotal moment for me, helping improve accessibility in some of the most remote regions of Nepal.
Digital and Spatial Technologies for Anticipatory Action Volunteered in this 5-day event organized by NAXA Nepal, where we mapped roads, waterways, buildings, and land use across six municipalities. Using ESRI imagery on the HOT Tasking Manager, we enhanced maps to support community resilience and disaster preparedness. We focused on: Mapping open spaces critical for evacuation and aid Digitizing health posts, schools, power lines Improving road networks and land use classifications
Global Solidarity Through Mapping Solidarity Mapathon for Myanmar (HOT) Climate Change Challenge with HOT, TOMTOM, Open Asia Hub Participated in multiple Kathmandu University mapathons—both as a mapper and organizer, including events under NEPGEOM
Building the OSM Community Beyond mapping, I’m passionate about bringing new faces to OSM. As part of Kathmandu University, I’ve helped organize several mapping events to inspire students and introduce them to open mapping tools, showing them the power of maps in building resilient, informed communities.
Final Thoughts OpenStreetMap has empowered me to merge my technical skills with real-world impact—from mountain trails to urban resilience. Whether through tracing rooftops in Nepal or roadways in Papua New Guinea, I see mapping as a meaningful act of solidarity and service. Thank you to everyone in the OSM and HOT communities for your support, collaboration, and inspiration. I’m looking forward to more shared efforts in making the world a better-mapped place. Happy Mapping! — siwangi02
My OSM Journey: From the Mountains of Nepal to Global Mapping Communities
My journey as an OpenStreetMap contributor began in 2022, with a humble yet impactful project: mapping roads in Mugu, Humla, and Jumla—three of Nepals most remote and mountainous districts.OpenStreetMap
Testing, Heading
Subheading, Subheading
- List
- List continued
Hello World!
I just completed my first university GIS course and I absolutely love mapping. The course enabled me to contribute to the Humanitarian OpenStreetMap team. This experience is excellent and I am thankful to sharpen my digitizing skills while helping others.
This Diary feature is new to me and I’m not sure what it does. Good to experiment with! :)
When I first received the email notifying me of my selection for the YouthMappers Leadership Fellowship 2024 in Thailand, it was a surreal moment. I was doing my assignments all frustrated but suddenly when the notification popped up, and I couldn’t contain my emotions. I jumped with joy, overwhelmed by the thought of being chosen for such an incredible opportunity. That email was the start of an unforgettable journey—one that would take me to new places, connect me with passionate individuals, and leave me with memories I’ll cherish forever. The dream of the dreamer started since then. The preparation for the fellowship began months in advance. YouthMappers, a global community of students, researchers, educators, and scholars that use public geospatial technologies to highlight and directly address development and environmental challenges worldwide ensured we were well-prepared with pre-departure sessions and constant communication through emails and WhatsApp. They guided us every step of the way, taking care of us with unmatched warmth and care. From learning how to say “Sawadike” (hello) and “Khapunka” (thank you) in Thai, to planning and packing for the trip, every moment was filled with excitement. The day of departure was momentous—my first international flight, passport in hand, and butterflies in my stomach. Along with my Nepali peers, we clicked countless photos at the airport, thrilled to embark on this journey. As our flight landed in Bangkok, the sparkling city lights welcomed us to a country that truly never sleeps. Angela, our warm and wonderful guide, greeted us at the airport, setting the tone for an amazing experience.
Our first day in Thailand was magical. Staying in a cozy hotel, enjoying delicious breakfasts, and exploring the vibrant streets around us felt like stepping into a dream. As other fellows from across the globe arrived, the excitement only grew. The orientation session was our first formal introduction to the program, the YouthMappers team, and the 27 fellows from diverse countries. I was fascinated by their unique names and stories—from America to Zuliatu, everyone brought something special to the table. That evening, over dinner, we bonded with the organizers and faculty of YouthMappers. Sharing laughs, stories, and conversations with people who had achieved so much in their respective fields was inspiring. This sense of community and collaboration is, I believe, the heart of the open-data movement.
The next day, we dressed in formals and headed to the auditorium for official sessions. We learned about the structure of YouthMappers, its global chapters, partnerships with organizations like USAID, and its alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). I was assigned to the SDG 11 group: Sustainable Cities and Communities. This session was a highlight for me, as I eagerly collaborated with my team and dived deep into discussions. Our first travel destination was the breathtaking Wat Pho Temple, where we soaked in the culture, clicked countless pictures, and marveled at the beauty of Thailand. A serene boat ride followed, offering mesmerizing views of the city. While trying seafood at dinner wasn’t quite my cup of tea, the experience added to the adventure.
One of the most impactful moments was a heartfelt conversation with Angela. She shared stories of the struggles faced by women in rural Thailand, particularly around inequality and exploitation. Her resilience and wisdom left a deep mark on me. Angela’s words reinforced the importance of supporting marginalized groups and working tirelessly for equality and inclusion. The third day of our fellowship was a transformative one, as we left the chaos of Bangkok for the tranquility of Bang Saen Beach. Settling in at the beautiful Bang Saen Beach Resort, I quickly joined my team to dive into OpenStreetMap (OSM) and flood mapping. The hands-on experience, working with passionate mappers from around the world, was thrilling, but a moment of self-doubt crept in. It was during this time that Patricia, a beacon of wisdom and energy, helped me shift my perspective and reignite my determination. Her encouragement allowed me to embrace the process with clarity and purpose, carrying me forward through the fellowship with renewed vigour. As we moved into fieldwork, I was honoured to lead our team, thanks to the trust of our group leader, Nuala Cowan. The day was filled with collaboration and teamwork, where each member brought their best effort, and we completed tasks with enthusiasm. The sessions that followed further enriched our knowledge, focusing on project leadership, gender inclusion, and the power of communication. The final days were a whirlwind of collaboration, innovation, and reflection, culminating in our impactful flood mapping project. Presenting our work, knowing how much we’d achieved together, filled me with pride. As I said goodbye to my fellow participants, I left with not just memories, but with invaluable lessons on leadership, mapping, and the importance of community-driven solutions.
The final day was a mix of excitement and nerves. Our SDG 11 team, focusing on sustainable cities and flood mapping, presented our project on Si Racha, Chan Buri, an area recently impacted by flash floods on March 19, 2024.We analyzed the flood’s impact by mapping the inundation area, affected buildings, highways, health facilities, educational institutions, and approximate affected populations. Over one night, our team made an impressive 5,223 edits to map the previously unmapped Si Racha area.
Our final presentation was a success, followed by emotional reflections on our journeys. After a quick lunch, we headed to a travel destination for some shopping and wrapped up the day back at the hotel, saying bittersweet goodbyes to our fellows before our morning flight.
Reflecting on these incredible nine days, I still feel deeply emotional. It wasn’t just about the joy of the experience but also the immense learning and personal growth. This fellowship was truly a dream come true. I vividly remember my first year of college when we were introduced to OpenStreetMap. While exploring further, I came across YouthMappers and their Leadership Fellowship. From that very moment, I aspired to be part of it. Fast forward four years, and here I am, writing about my own Leadership Fellowship experience. Life truly is amazing. When I look back to myself during my first year of college where we were introduced to OSM, I was deeply inspired by the richness of OSM datasets and their humanitarian purpose for the community. It stuck with me that this was something I never wanted to leave behind. Over the years, I have contributed to impactful humanitarian projects such as the Turkey-Syria mapping initiative and the Jajarkot earthquake response. These projects have made me feel like I’m physically present to help communities in need. To date, I’ve made an incredible 632,637 edits, each one shaping someone’s future somewhere in the world. This realization motivates me to continue contributing and making a difference. Also, thanks to my driving force for contribution that led me to the YouthMappers Leadership Fellowship 2024. This fellowship has taught me so much—more than I could have imagined. Overcoming language barriers and navigating cultural differences were challenging at times, but they also enriched the experience. As Silvana from SDG 11 wisely said, “We may not understand each other’s languages and cultures, but what we do understand is the language of cartography.” This quote resonates deeply with me and reminds me of the power of our shared purpose as mappers. Looking back, I realize how these lessons have shaped me. A conversation with Patricia stands out vividly—she shared that in life, we often search for what we lack by comparing ourselves to others, forgetting the treasures we already hold, that wisdom has stayed with me. This experience has also deepened my appreciation for the impact of mapping. Every edit we make shapes someone’s future somewhere on this planet. It’s not just about learning to edit—it’s about connecting with communities, fostering inclusivity, and leading with love and purpose. I aspire to pass on my knowledge to the next generation in the most inclusive and diverse way possible, working closely with communities and telling their stories through leadership. This dream opportunity has transformed me in ways I am indebted towards YouthMappers and our chapter Geomatics Engineering Students Association Nepal (GESAN) and will cherish forever. Thank you, YouthMappers, for making it all possible!
First Impressions and New Connections
Our first day in Thailand was magical. Staying in a cozy hotel, enjoying delicious breakfasts, and exploring the vibrant streets around us felt like stepping into a dream. As other fellows from across the globe arrived, the excitement only grew. The orientation session was our first formal introduction to the program, the YouthMappers team, and the 27 fellows from diverse countries. I was fascinated by their unique names and stories—from America to Zuliatu, everyone brought something special to the table. That evening, over dinner, we bonded with the organizers and faculty of YouthMappers. Sharing laughs, stories, and conversations with people who had achieved so much in their respective fields was inspiring. This sense of community and collaboration is, I believe, the heart of the open-data movement.
Learning, Exploring, and Growing
The next day, we dressed in formals and headed to the auditorium for official sessions. We learned about the structure of YouthMappers, its global chapters, partnerships with organizations like USAID, and its alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). I was assigned to the SDG 11 group: Sustainable Cities and Communities. This session was a highlight for me, as I eagerly collaborated with my team and dived deep into discussions. Our first travel destination was the breathtaking Wat Pho Temple, where we soaked in the culture, clicked countless pictures, and marveled at the beauty of Thailand. A serene boat ride followed, offering mesmerizing views of the city. While trying seafood at dinner wasn’t quite my cup of tea, the experience added to the adventure.
Conversations That Inspire
One of the most impactful moments was a heartfelt conversation with Angela. She shared stories of the struggles faced by women in rural Thailand, particularly around inequality and exploitation. Her resilience and wisdom left a deep mark on me. Angela’s words reinforced the importance of supporting marginalized groups and working tirelessly for equality and inclusion. The third day of our fellowship was a transformative one, as we left the chaos of Bangkok for the tranquility of Bang Saen Beach. Settling in at the beautiful Bang Saen Beach Resort, I quickly joined my team to dive into OpenStreetMap (OSM) and flood mapping. The hands-on experience, working with passionate mappers from around the world, was thrilling, but a moment of self-doubt crept in. It was during this time that Patricia, a beacon of wisdom and energy, helped me shift my perspective and reignite my determination. Her encouragement allowed me to embrace the process with clarity and purpose, carrying me forward through the fellowship with renewed vigour. As we moved into fieldwork, I was honoured to lead our team, thanks to the trust of our group leader, Nuala Cowan. The day was filled with collaboration and teamwork, where each member brought their best effort, and we completed tasks with enthusiasm. The sessions that followed further enriched our knowledge, focusing on project leadership, gender inclusion, and the power of communication. The final days were a whirlwind of collaboration, innovation, and reflection, culminating in our impactful flood mapping project. Presenting our work, knowing how much we’d achieved together, filled me with pride. As I said goodbye to my fellow participants, I left with not just memories, but with invaluable lessons on leadership, mapping, and the importance of community-driven solutions.
The final day was a mix of excitement and nerves. Our SDG 11 team, focusing on sustainable cities and flood mapping, presented our project on Si Racha, Chan Buri, an area recently impacted by flash floods on March 19, 2024.We analyzed the flood’s impact by mapping the inundation area, affected buildings, highways, health facilities, educational institutions, and approximate affected populations. Over one night, our team made an impressive 5,223 edits to map the previously unmapped Si Racha area.
Our final presentation was a success, followed by emotional reflections on our journeys. After a quick lunch, we headed to a travel destination for some shopping and wrapped up the day back at the hotel, saying bittersweet goodbyes to our fellows before our morning flight.
A Life-Changing Experience
Reflecting on these incredible nine days, I still feel deeply emotional. It wasn’t just about the joy of the experience but also the immense learning and personal growth. This fellowship was truly a dream come true. I vividly remember my first year of college when we were introduced to OpenStreetMap. While exploring further, I came across YouthMappers and their Leadership Fellowship. From that very moment, I aspired to be part of it. Fast forward four years, and here I am, writing about my own Leadership Fellowship experience. Life truly is amazing. When I look back to myself during my first year of college where we were introduced to OSM, I was deeply inspired by the richness of OSM datasets and their humanitarian purpose for the community. It stuck with me that this was something I never wanted to leave behind. Over the years, I have contributed to impactful humanitarian projects such as the Turkey-Syria mapping initiative and the Jajarkot earthquake response. These projects have made me feel like I’m physically present to help communities in need. To date, I’ve made an incredible 632,637 edits, each one shaping someone’s future somewhere in the world. This realization motivates me to continue contributing and making a difference. Also, thanks to my driving force for contribution that led me to the YouthMappers Leadership Fellowship 2024. This fellowship has taught me so much—more than I could have imagined. Overcoming language barriers and navigating cultural differences were challenging at times, but they also enriched the experience. As Silvana from SDG 11 wisely said, “We may not understand each other’s languages and cultures, but what we do understand is the language of cartography.” This quote resonates deeply with me and reminds me of the power of our shared purpose as mappers. Looking back, I realize how these lessons have shaped me. A conversation with Patricia stands out vividly—she shared that in life, we often search for what we lack by comparing ourselves to others, forgetting the treasures we already hold, that wisdom has stayed with me. This experience has also deepened my appreciation for the impact of mapping. Every edit we make shapes someone’s future somewhere on this planet. It’s not just about learning to edit—it’s about connecting with communities, fostering inclusivity, and leading with love and purpose. I aspire to pass on my knowledge to the next generation in the most inclusive and diverse way possible, working closely with communities and telling their stories through leadership. This dream opportunity has transformed me in ways I am indebted towards YouthMappers and our chapter Geomatics Engineering Students Association Nepal (GESAN) and will cherish forever. Thank you, YouthMappers, for making it all possible!
If anyone who want to edit Indonesian maps, I recommend using BHUMI ATR/BPN aerial imagery data as source. You may see the links from my last 2 months of renewed editing career of OpenStreetMap.
Performance testing vector tiles
Ive undertaken the task of mapping Inveralmond Industrial Estate, which lies close to my location but is currently not mapped in any great detail.
The Community Bonding Period officially wrapped up on June 1, and the coding phase is already off to a solid start.
