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

Hello OSM community,

I’m excited to share my experiences as a participant and trainer in the OM Guru Fellowship, 2024. My name is Kyaw Zayar Linn, and I’m from Myanmar. I work as a GIS officer at CDE Myanmar. I’ve mostly used GIS software like ArcGIS and QGIS but have limited experience with OSM. So, this program has been an incredible journey of learning, growth, and community engagement.

My Journey Before joining this fellowship program, my experience with OSM was primarily limited to downloading OSM data and using it in GIS software. While I knew that I could edit and contribute to OSM, I lacked the practical knowledge on how to effectively edit and contribute data. Also, thanks to the Person who encourage to do OSM contribution and explain opportunity of OpenStreetMap for Myanmar that Myanmar is lacking free vector map.

From the moment I joined the OM Guru Fellowship, I knew I was embarking on a unique adventure. The fellowship provided a structured platform for me to enhance my mapping, validating skills, collaborate with fellows and contribute to meaningful projects on HOT Tasking Manager. One of the highlights was working on HOT Tasking Manager Projects, where I learned the HOT Tasking Manager plays a crucial role in leveraging the collective efforts of a global community of volunteers to improve mapping data where it is most needed. It supports humanitarian organizations and local communities in making informed decisions based on accurate and up-to-date geographic information.

Learnings Throughout the fellowship, I gained a wealth of knowledge. I improved my technical skills in using various OSM tools, learned not only effective mapping techniques but also creating & contributing at HOT Tasking Manager Projects. The mentorship and trainings/ workshops were particularly beneficial, offering insights into best practices and innovative approaches to mapping. I also learned the importance of community collaboration and how collective efforts can lead to significant outcomes.

Impact The OM Guru Fellowship has had a profound impact on me. It has not only enhanced my technical abilities but also deepened my understanding of the global mapping community. My contributions to OSM have become more meaningful and impactful, thanks to the guidance and support from the fellowship. I feel more confident in my ability to tackle complex mapping challenges and contribute to the community’s growth.

About Training Three online training sessions were conducted throughout the fellowship program. The first one, an introduction to OpenStreetMap, took place in April 2024. The second training covered useful OSM tools and tips, and the last focused on OSM landuse mapping for Myanmar.

Conclusion As I continue my OSM training journey, I am committed to applying the skills and knowledge I’ve gained through the OM Guru Fellowship for my country & colleagues. I encourage new fellow mappers, validators and trainers to engage with such opportunities and contribute to the ever-growing OSM community. Let’s continue to map the world, one step at a time!

Thank you for reading about my journey and this is the first OSM diary of me. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or want to collaborate on future projects.

Happy mapping & Happy learning!

Location: SansaiNoi, Sansai, Sansai District, Chiangmai, Thailand

The problem

We are generating an increasing level of data as a society. An unstated goal of openstreetmap that many contributors subscribe to is “completeness” or “accuracy”, which works fine when you dataset is small, local and high level detail, but less so when scaled up to determining if every traffic light crossing in the world has tactile paving.

So naturally, automation and data imports are where people start to look; and very sensibly there’s a process to propose, review and ingest large datasets.

However, this relies on:

• Expertise and peer review
• Honesty and diligence of the importer to have and execute a QA plan
• A second level of QA tools and mappers to QA and maintain data

What could we do differently?

In the semantic web/linked data world, two big concepts emerged. The first is the semantic web layer cake, which talks about going from “machine readable” to “schemas” to “query” to “proof” to “trust”. In OSM terms these are poi, tags, overpass, a lot of tools like keep right or osmose, and at the moment, human boots on the ground survey.

The concept of 5 star open data is focused on the idea that we have a lot of data locked up in silos - and while it would be ideal to align it to every standard and have the highest quality possible data; 95% of the time it’s better to publish anything at all rather than wait until it’s perfect. So long as data consumers have an idea of the limitations, they can apply judgement when attempting to use it.

What is the current state?

A number of open data portals provide basic indicators of “5 star open data” quality.

In our wiki, we maintain documentation which describes the OSM community’s view on data quality of an external dataset.

We have tags for change sets describing the source.

What specifically would we change?

I’m proposing a set of tools or standard metadata for annotating external datasets and proposed/approved exports; so that editing and conflation tools can reason about the quality of data.

IE, if you have a dataset which is derived from OSM, corrects wrong tags and it has been human verified from a random sampling of 5% of the data? That’s a good candidate for letting a maintenance bot operate on this with minimal oversight, and is potentially 5 star quality.

Have a stream of AI generated shop names from street level imagery? Tag that was 2/5 and have flags for requiring human verification, even if it is one click approval.

What would be the impact?

By having these standards in place, tools that are typically used for bulk imports or conflation can add extra guard rails around the process; and from a community review/import approval perspective it becomes a discussion about the higher risk aspects of an import.

It also then greenlights a degree of automated maintenance activities - after data is imported and mappers are promoted to confirm accuracy in the ground; it then becomes lower risk to trust that data source for bots updating existing attributes.

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.

NorthCrab's Diary | OpenStreetMap NextGen Development Diary #15

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

Today I realised that it’s probably significantly more efficient (in terms of effort and time) to simply state the reason(s) for (in)validating a task in the task comments, and ask contributors to read the project comments where I can post some more detailed comments, explinations, pictures etc. related to common mistakes I find while validating the project.

This efficiently accomplishes at least four objectives;

• Contributors who read the comments recieve feedback regarding their contributions
• It is easier to get an overwiew of quality issues in the project.
• It saves time in comparison to giving feedback on each individual task.
• Contributors to the project who map areas yet to be mapped and read the project comments can get a heads up, before contributing increasing the likelihood that they will avoid making the same mistakes.

Farewell to giving feedback on every task, unless it is truly unique. 😌

My journey with mapping began during my undergraduate studies in geography at Eastern University, Sri Lanka. My fascination with maps and the potential of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to solve real-world problems sparked a deep interest that would shape my career. In 2019, I joined OpenStreetMap (OSM), an open-source platform that allows users to create and share maps of their communities. This was the beginning of a transformative experience. Through OSM, I discovered a vibrant community and shared my passion for open data and community development. I quickly became an active contributor, dedicating countless hours to mapping underserved areas in Sri Lanka.

As my involvement with OSM grew, I became proficient in using various mapping tools and mobile applications, which allowed me to conduct efficient and accurate mapping projects. I got appointed as the YouthMappers Chapter Secretary at Eastern University, where I played a pivotal role in promoting open mapping practices among students and local communities. My commitment to mapping and community development led me to join Sarvodaya Fusion, an NGO dedicated to empowering communities through technology. At Sarvodaya Fusion, I organized workshops and training sessions to teach others how to use OSM and GIS tools. These initiatives not only enhanced the mapping capabilities of participants but also fostered a sense of community and shared purpose.

In 2024, my dedication and hard work were recognized on an international level when I honored as the “Mapper of the Month” by the United Nations. This prestigious recognition highlighted my significant contributions to the OSM community and my role in promoting open data and mapping. My journey with mapping took another exciting turn when I was selected for the YouthMappers Fellowship Program in Jamaica on 2023. This opportunity allowed me to collaborate with fellow mappers from around the world, exchange knowledge, and contribute to impactful mapping projects. The fellowship enriched me to understand of global mapping challenges and provided me with new perspectives and ideas. Throughout my journey, has remained committed to using mapping as a tool for social and economic development. My journey with mapping is a testament to the impact that dedicated individuals can have in building resilient and informed communities through open mapping. I continues to explore the potential of GIS and contribute to the global mapping community.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on strengthening support for teachers and advancing education at #SONA2024 #Mapper

I wish an Irish wristwatch.

P.S. The wristwatch shall be wish-washed

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

I am mapping every day, but i am unable to write a diary entry for every day i map. due to limited internet access and being on the move most of the time.

During the past 4 days, including today, i have mapped Villages Mesul, Cerjan, Bishqem and Papër and i have done a lot of mapping in Kosovo.

I have also gotten some private message these days to whom i have been unable to respond, so i ask you to bear with me. I will be back home in a week and will catch up with you all. Thanks a lot for contributing on mapping Albania!

“#100villagesin100days “

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.

testing the diary feature

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.

Good morning!

This is my first diary entry. I am new to OSM and have a lot of learning and growth to do. I have to say I knew nothing about OSM and am absolutely blown away by how many companies use OSM in their mapping efforts. Truly awesome!

I am starting out building a interactive eruv map using OSM. I am getting lot of help and I am learning all the code words of the OSM community. Learning what for instance nods are points, I think they are called wazes or lines, and relations are a combinations of points and lines. Learning to Tag as well. I am also learning and trying to learn daily the LearnOSM website. Going through the tutorials are very good. I am enjoying doing it, yes it is frustrating at times but that is learning.

I am building this eruv map for my community and looking to embed it on the Synagogues website. Learning right now I am learning about the editor and how to place points and lines.

I will keep posting every so often my wins, loses, and how it worked for me.

by:

New OSMer

Jason

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.

These days i am very busy and i have not been able to write a diary entry as I do every day, but i have mapped some villages and improved some already mapped villages. Too tired, to remember the names or go back and look them up. Hopefully ill get some more free time in the next days to make a more detailed diary entry.

“#100villagesin100days #day41&42”

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.

does this work like a blog?

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.

Dear diary, today I made my account. I hope this can count for CAS :skull:

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.

I’ve been using StreetComplete for the past few days now. It’s great fun, but I often run into questions where I’m thinking “Well… I don’t know that any of these options are right.” (Or “If Regina wasn’t a uniquely hot mess, then maybe one of these answers would actually work!” I’m looking at you Albert street rail crossing.) The tagging and questionable-edits channels on the osm-world discord have been massive helps.

It isn’t until you start tagging out in the wild that you start coming up with weird questions that you wouldn’t have thought up otherwise. Like:

• Do you mark an intersection as having no marked lanes? (Are they even supposed to have marked lanes if they aren’t turn lanes?)
• Is a concrete block coloured red a form of tactile paving, even if it has no different texture to it from any other block?
• How far does a street light have to be from a bus stop before you can say that bus stop is unlit at night?
• If there are no sidewalks next to a road and there is no way for a pedestrian to walk along the side (like if it’s too much of a slope), are they allowed to walk on the road?
  • (I don’t think I’ve seen a sign telling pedestrians that they aren’t allowed to in these situations here, but I don’t know anyone who would even want to in the places where it happens.)
• Why does Regina have so many pedways over streets cars drive under, and none of them are marked with a maximum height sign?
  • (It’s probably because in those areas, trucks aren’t allowed. But I never even noticed they didn’t have the signs until I thought to look!)

My journey into mapping began in 2012 when I was a college student. I started by mapping my village and later expanded to mapping numerous banks as part of my work in 2016-17. This initial exposure sparked my interest in community mapping.

In 2018, I began contributing to OpenStreetMap (OSM) alongside my volunteer contributions on Wikipedia and Wikidata. This involvement allowed me to bridge the gap between platforms by linking Wikidata entries with OSM and vice versa, enhancing the data quality and interconnectivity between these valuable resources.

Joining the Open Mapping Guru Fellowship has been a transformative experience. The fellowship provided me with access to various tools that have significantly enhanced my mapping activities. The tasks during the program helped me learn and expand my knowledge about mapping in OSM. These tasks ranged from mapping amenities using mobile applications like Every Door and remote mapping using JOSM and mapping and validating using the Tasking Manager.

Through this fellowship, I have not only improved my technical abilities but also deepened my commitment to the OSM community. The Open Mapping Guru Fellowship has been a significant part of my journey, and I’m excited about what lies ahead.

I am grateful to HOT and APHub team for this opportunity to be part of such a dynamic and collaborative environment.

As I continue my mapping journey, I look forward to applying the skills and insights gained from the fellowship to make a meaningful impact on the mapping and open data ecosystems.

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.

Kinda ditched OSM last year when school ended. Gonna try to finish micro-mapping my neighborhood at the very least. That was my goal from the beginning and it remains so to this day. This time, though, I truly have absolutely nothing better to do.

After that, who knows? No promises… Probably gonna ditch it again when school starts up again x)

There are a couple I walk by every week, both pretty large.

I’ve tagged them natural=beaver_dam ‘cos I found it in some discussion on the wiki somewhere.

Considering so much of Canada is shaped by beaver dams, I think they should get more respect.

(the location for this diary entry is near one of the beaver dams. It was not actually writen while near it. If it had been, the beavers would have done their irritated tail-slapping dive to scare me away. It sounds like someone throwing a large rock into deep water.)

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