To register go to: https://goo.gl/forms/gAF6yZ08n4Vee0F72  

WHAT IS A MAPATHON?

Mapathons are crowdsourcing events where volunteers gather and learn to edit and elaborate on portions of world maps that are sparsely detailed. Using OpenStreetMap, remote volunteers trace over buildings, roads, waterways, etc. in satellite images. These maps are then validated by a combination of more experienced remote mappers and local volunteers. Depending on the project, local volunteers may also further identify buildings, streets, and other traced map features by name.

WHY A MAPATHON?

Many areas of the world most affected by environmental and natural disasters, disease outbreaks and epidemics, and violent conflict are under-mapped. In the course of crisis prevention and relief, humanitarian aid workers need access to detailed, accurate maps in order to plan risk reduction strategies and to seek out and navigate to people in distress. OpenStreetMap continues to be a valuable tool in relief efforts stemming from last year’s numerous environmental and natural disasters.

Outside of its use in crisis prevention and response, OpenStreetMap offers historians, mapping enthusiasts, and other interested parties the opportunity to enrich basic maps with local knowledge through an extensive set of metadata fields.

Mapathons create a space where participants can come together and:

1) think through the politics of mapping processes and the ways technology can be leveraged during times of crisis

2) develop skills in digital fluency by critically engaging with an openly-editable mapping tool

3) become part of a powerful and growing volunteer network

4) have fun!