Our agency has decided to contribute our mapping expertise to Eastvale, California, through the end of 2024. Eastvale has been without address data for turn-by-turn navigation apps for quite some time, and we’re committed to helping fill this gap.

~ B2VMarketing

Ah, State of the Map! The pinnacle annual gathering of our own kind, where we, the OSM community, come together to exchange insights, celebrate achievements, and explore the latest advancements in technology.

How was my experience overall, you may ask? Eight days of relentless effort—rushing between offices to complete my passport and visa, and spending countless hours traveling on various modes of transport—just to attend a weekend-long conference. Was it worth it? Absolutely, without a doubt! In fact, I’d gladly go through it all again in a heartbeat.

This experience was nothing short of incredible. It was a joy and privilege to finally meet Mikko Tamura, Honey Fombuena, Harry Mahardhika, Nama Raj Budhathoki from HOT, and so many other inspiring individuals from the Bangladesh and Nepal OSM communities, as well as the vibrant YouthMappers network. Their boundless energy, unwavering passion for improving OpenStreetMap (OSM), and commitment to encouraging mass adoption left a profound impression on me.

Connecting with them wasn’t just about OSM; it was about engaging with a group of extraordinary people whose enthusiasm and vision resonate deeply. Their drive to create positive change is quite something, and I am more motivated than ever to channel that same spirit into my own initiatives in the near future.

The weekend wasn’t just a conference—it was a gathering of minds, a celebration of shared purpose, and an unforgettable opportunity to be part of a community that genuinely inspires. I am immensely grateful for every moment of it.

Tag:natural=shrubbery　のタグを知りました。

様々な施設にあるshrubbery(植込み植物)に使います。

OSMおける shrubberyは、管理されている植物（木や植物による区切り、庭園」）を示していると推測します。

日本語版の解説サイトは、まだありません。 EN Tag:natural=shrubbery

## Dol pod Gojko * 20. gruden 2024: hišne številke 1 - 4 s soležečimi zgradbami

Ragnaröck 855 Jh. nach dem Fall von Arcona Insel Rujan Bujan Rügen Muttländer Heide Paul Paulssohn

I’ve been mapping in Alaska for quite some time now, with a specific interest in mapping national parks, forests, and other protected areas. It has become apparent to me that much of the state, with the exception of southeast Alaska, lacks sufficient hydrographic data in the map. I’ve been working on chipping away at this problem intermittently, adding lakes and named waterways. However, given the size of interior Alaska’s national and state parks, attempting large scale additions by hand would be prohibitively time consuming.

I’ve gained a good deal of familiarity over the years with the software needed to perform an import of USGS National Hydrographic Dataset data to fill this gap. My current idea is to download the needed NHD dataset from the USGS website, convert it to .shp in QGIS, delete all tags from the data and split it to smaller files. I would then load the raw shapes into JOSM using the opendata plugin and add tags manually. I would avoid conflicts with existing data by loading it into the editor prior to loading the .shp, thus allowing me to integrate the data more seamlessly.

I am aware that it is customary to receive community buy in before beginning an import project. I’ve run into some confusion on this as Alaska has a very small OSM community that is not well established. I could contact a few mappers individually, but I am not sure if that alone would satisfy the need for community buy in.

I’m curious as to what input people have on this

I have not participated in so many State of the Map conferences, only in two LATAM conferences, the first one being Sao Paulo in 2016, historical for me since the Geochicas were founded on this occasion and the following year in 2017 in Lima. I also participated in a Global conference in Milan (2018).

These conferences have seemed fundamental to me because of the links they generate, strengthen and activate. The OSM universe has a remote reality where in a somewhat miraculous way very strong human bonds of friendship, collaboration, emulation, creation, where it is possible to generate governance issues, where it is possible to build agendas and develop them. However, the face-to-face coexistence brings to this an additional unfailing strength: the friends we make at the State of the Map conferences remain forever. In addition, obviously, we discover themes, ways of impacting reality thanks to collaborative mapping, we update ourselves, we connect with people, companies, institutions and we all grow together.

That powerful sub-communities like Geochicas have emerged stimulated by one of these conferences is telling, Geochicas now being recognized globally for the actions and leadership it builds, and for what it manages to bring to the open technology communities of the geospatial world.

By connecting with people at these conferences, we also build bridges between national and regional communities allowing individuals to bring valuable knowledge in other contexts. I think of my connection with Jorge PB from Cuba, from SOTM Sao Paulo, which has led me to participate in other conferences in Cuba contributing there, I hope, some grain of sand.

From what I remember from the State of the map in Lima, many exchanges around the urban issue of mobility, pedestrian and cyclist accessibility with a gender perspective and also the discovery of an initiative that marked me and that I continue to pursue in other countries: the search for the gradual construction of a national coordination of drone operators (DronePeru) for their immediate, distributed reactivity in case of disaster.

With these memories I want to underline how the State of the Map conferences really succeed in connecting minds, practices, and transferring knowledge, enabling spin-offs, and continuing to build together the main lines of action of the sector surrounding OpenStreetMap.

State of the Map Belém

Being a collaborator of HOT, I voluntarily abstained myself from participating in the organization of the event, seeking to avoid criticism that always comes from individuals in the community, despite my other hats from which I am very active from a personal point of view. I let my colleagues from Geochicas lead the participation of women and the development of inclusive codes in this conference and I only made a few interventions: - A talk presenting HOT’s humanitarian mapping activities in the region and in Rio Grande do Sul, - and the moderation of a panel inviting all the people in the assembly who had mapping experiences with Amazonian communities from all countries to comment on their experience and how they solve the difficulties of digital barriers in these contexts.

I rediscovered the works of fellow community members, updating myself, better understanding other issues that I had not been able to give much thought to, such as Overture, and I even discovered from new angles the works of my own HOT colleagues.

I witnessed with great pleasure a particularly large participation of young people, members or not of the Youthmappers network and also a participation never seen before of women who have been in this case a numerical majority of attendees and participants. It is important to highlight this achievement!!! Among these people I discovered with pleasure new leaderships, strong leaderships! that show their passion towards the theme that unites us. I love it! It gives me back an energy that multiplies my own!!!!

To end on this note, what this LATAM conference in Belém has achieved in my perspective, was to bring together an unprecedented diversity of people, without having forced it, and to demonstrate that the OpenStreetMap community of today, is this same: diverse, with many women and young people, along with people from the old benevolent guard, with constructive presence of the private sector as well (TomTom, Meta, Development Seed), and that makes us want to strive to keep it that way: to continue to bring together the conditions so that people with this level of diversity want to come, can come, feel comfortable to share and also develop the passion that these conferences give us back.

What am I leaving with?

With an even greater conviction of wanting to follow this path of building diversity and building the renewal of the community, this for the very benefit of the map and the impact it has on people’s lives. I leave with new friendships, with great respect for many of the people I met and saw again. In addition to that and feeling appreciated by this community, it gives me even more desire to lead impact projects, to contribute to this map that changes lives, to act creating bridges between reality and data, to continue promoting public policy with data made by the people.

No he participado en tantas conferencias de State of the Map, únicamente en dos conferencias LATAM, la primera siendo Sao Paulo en 2016, histórica para mí ya que se fundaron las Geochicas en esta ocasión y el año siguiente en 2017 en Lima. También participé en una conferencia Global en Milán (2018).

Estas conferencias me han parecido fundamentales por los vínculos que generan, fortalecen y activan. El universo de OSM tiene una realidad remota donde de manera algo milagrosa se logran vínculos humanos muy fuertes, de amistad, colaboración, emulación, creación, donde se logra generar temas de gobernanza, donde se logra construir agendas y desarrollarlas. Sin embargo la convivencia presencial aporta a eso una fuerza adicional indefectible: los amigos que nos hacemos en las conferencias de State of the Map quedan para siempre. Adicionalmente, obviamente, descubrimos temáticas, formas de impacto en la realidad gracias a la cartografía colaborativa, nos actualizamos, conectamos con personas, empresas, instituciones y crecemos todos en conjunto.

Que sub-comunidades poderosas como Geochicas hayan aparecido estimuladas por una de estas conferencias es revelador, Geochicas siendo reconocida globalmente ahora por las acciones y liderazgos que construye, y por lo que logra aportar en las comunidades de tecnologías abiertas del mundo geoespacial.

Al conectar con personas en estas conferencias, también creamos puentes entre comunidades nacionales y regionales permitiendo que individuos aporten conocimientos valioso en otros contextos. Pienso en mi conexión con Jorge PB de Cuba, desde SOTM Sao Paulo, que me ha llevado a participar en otras conferencias en Cuba aportando allí, espero, algún grano de arena.

De lo que recuerdo del State of the map de Lima, muchos intercambios alrededor de la cuestión urbana de movilidad, accesibilidad peatonal y ciclista con perspectiva de género y también el descubrimiento de una iniciativa que me marcó y que sigo persiguiendo en otros países: la búsqueda de construcción paulatina de una coordinación nacional de droneros (DronePeru) para su reactividad inmediata, distribuida, en caso de desastre.

Con esos recuerdos quiero subrayar cómo las conferencias de State of the Map logran realmente conectar mentes, prácticas, y transferir conocimientos, permitir derivaciones, y seguir construyendo entre tod@s los ejes de acción del sector que rodea OpenStreetMap.

State of the Map Belém

Siendo colaboradora de HOT, me abstuve voluntariamente de participar en la organización del evento, buscando evitar críticas que suelen salir siempre de individuos de la comunidad, a pesar de mis otros sombreros desde los que soy muy activa desde lo personal. Así fue y todo bien, dejé mis colegas de Geochicas liderar la participación de mujeres y el desarrollo de códigos incluyentes en esta conferencia y solo aparecí di algunas intervenciones: - Una charla presentando las actividades de mapeo humanitario de HOT en la región y en Rio Grande do Sul, - y la moderación de un panel invitando a todas las personas de la asamblea que tenían experiencias de mapeo con comunidades de la Amazonía desde todos los países, a comentar sobre su experiencia y sobre cómo solucionan las dificultades de las barreras digitales en estos contextos.

Volví a descubrir los trabajos de compañeros de la comunidad, actualizándome, entendiendo mejor otras cuestiones a las que no había podido dar mucha cabeza, como Overture, e incluso descubrí desde nuevos ángulos los trabajos de mis propios colegas de HOT.

Presencié con un enorme gusto una participación especialmente grande de jóvenes, personas integrantes o no de la red Youthmappers y también una participación jamás vista de mujeres que han sido en este caso una mayoría numérica de asistentes y participantes. Es importante remarcar este logro!!! Entre estas personas descubrí con mucho gusto nuevos liderazgos, ¡fuertes liderazgos! que demuestran su pasión hacia la temática que nos une. Me enamora!!! Me devuelve una energía que multiplica la mía propia!!!

Terminando sobre esta nota, lo que ha logrado esta conferencia LATAM de Belém en mi perspectiva, fue juntar una diversidad inédita de personas, sin tampoco haberla forzado, y demostrar que la comunidad de OpenStreetMap de hoy, es esta misma: diversa, con muchas mujeres y jóvenes, junto con gente de la vieja guardia benevolente, con presencia constructiva del sector privado también (TomTom, Meta, Development Seed), y que da ganas de esforzarnos para mantenerla así: seguir juntando las condiciones para que las personas con este nivel de diversidad quieran llegar, puedan llegar, se sientan cómod@s para compartir y desarrollen también la pasión que estas conferencias nos devuelven.

¿Con qué me voy?

Con un convencimiento aún mayor de querer seguir este camino de la construcción de diversidad y construir el renuevo de la comunidad, esto por el beneficio mismo del mapa y del impacto que éste tiene en la vida de las personas. Me voy con nuevas amistades, con gran respeto a muchas de las personas que conocí y volví a ver. Además de eso y de sentirme apapachada por esta comunidad, me da aún más ganas de liderar proyectos de impacto, abonar a este mapa que cambia vidas, accionar creando puentes entre las realidad y los datos, continuar impulsando política pública con datos hechos por la gente.

Mi profundo agradecimiento a quienes lo dieron todo organizando!

O capítulo YouthMappers UFRJ relembra suas atividades desenvolvidas em 2024 e agradece aos seus parceiros e colaboradores

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Retrospective of the YouthMappers UFRJ chapter activities in 2024 and thanks to our partners and collaborators

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   English below ;)

Aqui estão apenas alguns dos destaques…

Nosso capítulo completou 1 ano de existência em maio de 2024 e continuamos a pleno vapor, com atividades abertas de mapeamento e de capacitação em OpenStreetMap. Neste ano, incorporamos o uMap no curso básico de OSM, a fim de oferecer mais recursos para quem nos acompanha. Somente em 2024, foram realizadas 17 oficinas e emitidos 700 certificados.

O nosso projeto é registrado como uma ação de extensão na Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro - UFRJ (Brasil) e conta com a coordenação técnica do Instituto Virtual para o Desenvolvimento Sustentável - IVIDES.org e dos laboratórios Espaço e GeoCart da UFRJ, além das parcerias externas com demais laboratórios do estado do RJ e demais grupos do HUB YouthMappers Rio de Janeiro.

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Venha fazer parte desta história! Conheça mais sobre esta iniciativa e veja a galeria de memórias:

https://ivides.org/youthmappers-ufrj

Agradecemos aos alunos e às alunas, aos professores e às professoras e demais profissionais e colegas, que têm se dedicado ao mapeamento colaborativo.

Estimamos boas festas e feliz 2025! 🌎

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Here are just some of the highlights…

Our chapter celebrated its first anniversary in May 2024 and we’re still ongoing strongly the OpenStreetMap training and related activities.

At this year, we incorporated uMap into our basic OSM course in order to offer more resources to those who follow us. Only In 2024, 17 training sessions were held and 700 certificates were issued.

Our project is registered as an extension action at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro - UFRJ (Brazil) and has the technical coordination of the Virtual Institute for Sustainable Development - IVIDES.org and the Espaço and GeoCart laboratories at UFRJ, as well as external partnerships with other laboratories in the state of Rio de Janeiro and other groups that belong to the HUB YouthMappers Rio de Janeiro.

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Come and be part of this story! Find out more about this initiative and see the gallery of memories:

https://ivides.org/youthmappers-ufrj

We would like to thank the students, teachers and other professionals and colleagues who have dedicated themselves to collaborative mapping. Happy holidays and happy 2025! 🌎

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https://www.openstreetmap.org/changeset/160338694#map=18/49.351825/8.387564

ช่วยหน่อย

(https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cox%27s_Bazar_(black_and_white).jpg)

From the day I heard about the program, I was eager to participate in this international conference in my homeland. The venue, Cox’s Bazar, was another triggering factor of enthusiasm for me. Moreover, I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to participate in a State of the Map Asia conference.

Though I come from a coastal area of Bangladesh, I have never been to the Cox’s Bazar. So. the excitement to journey with my fellow chapter members was beyond description. Though I attended only one day of the conference, the day was full of gaining knowledge and experience and making new connections. Many types of people were at the conference, ranging from students to experts and specialists in different sectors.

The knowledge I gained in this short time opened my eyes. It taught me that the map we create isn’t only used for humanitarian purposes but also for many other reasons. The talks, speeches, presentations, open discussions, and workshops of both offline and online participants all were valuable for the whole open data community.

The experience of this annual conference of the Asian community will always be with me. Besides this, the culture and nature of the historic city of Cox’s Bazar will be remembered by me. Like the long stretch of the Cox’s Bazar sea beach, I realized that the horizon of this movement is vast.

This conference gave me a great chance to make valuable networks with like-minded mappers from inside and outside of Bangladesh. These people have diverse backgrounds and contribute and use the data for many purposes. These networks will help me in the future and will also help our chapter of YouthMappers to collaborate in the future.

I also had the chance to give a short talk at the event about ‘How to Print an OSM Map.’ Mainly targeting the newbies, I tried to give a Lightning talk on how to do it and how many ways the map can be downloaded. It boosted my confidence and inspired me to participate in these types of conferences in the future.

A heartfelt thanks to the organizers, volunteers, and sponsors for this fantastic event. This conference was really an eye-opener for me. After this program, I knew that many people use the data we put in the system for many purposes, for the betterment of human life.

The Proud Moment as a Bangladeshi

My excitement was extremely high since I had come to know that this year’s State of the Map Asia would take place in the beautiful setting of Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh for the very first time. SotM Asia 2024 had let us acquaint the people from all over Asia with our country’s culture, heritage, natural beauty, and the tradition of hospitality. The co-events – State of the Map Bangladesh, YouthMappers Bangladesh Summit, HOT Open Summit – surely added extra colours to the main event. I was eager to witness this proud moment being present at the conference doing any sort of adjustments needed to my existing schedule.

The Uncertainty & Risks

As my final exams coincided with the event, my participation became uncertain. But as I mentioned before, my willingness to make adjustments to my schedule and comfort made my participation happen somehow. As a result, I could ensure my presence only on the second day of the event – 1 December 2024. I started my journey from Dhaka on 30 November night as I had an exam on that day and reached Cox’s Bazar very early next morning. Then, I attended the conference for the whole day and again left for Dhaka in the evening of the same day. Upon reaching Dhaka on 2 December morning, I again sat for another exam. That is how my trip was designed with so much risks as I was not ready to miss this historic event!

All the Hassle Was Worth It

The struggle I embraced for the sake of SotM Asia 2024 was worth it. I enjoyed my whole time there. I could connect with many new people and meet many people in-person whom we only knew via online till the conference. I loved the souvenirs from the event. I was happy to present my general talk titled ‘OSM Data: A Tool for the Monitoring of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Realization’ to the audience. Many members from our YouthMappers chapter – YouthMappers University of Dhaka – attended the conference with great enthusiasm and it was nice meeting them outside the regular chapter activities.

Being part of the ‘Open Mapping Guru’ project, I was lucky to end the day having dinner with other open mapping gurus attended the SotM Asia and the honourable representatives from the Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team – Open Mapping Hub Asia Pacific. But unfortunately, I could not spend much time in our beautiful beach which was not the prime concern this time though.

Gratitude

I appreciate the ceaseless efforts of the organizers and volunteers for pulling off such an incredible and seamless conference in Bangladesh. My heartfelt thanks go to all the participants and sponsors from home and abroad for making this event a grand success through their valuable contribution. The exemption from registration fee for the speakers and the scholarship in the accommodation category facilitated my participation a great deal. I am grateful for that.

I am looking forward to having more amazing experiences like this in future. Long live State of the Map Asia! Long live Bangladesh!

~ Marzia Hossain Jamila

I am @SantiViajaSimplemente to see the pictures… Now in Colombia after 86 countries

Introduction

During the COVID-19 pandemic, like many others, I found myself immersed in online classes and scrolling through social media during breaks. One day, I stumbled across OpenStreetMap (OSM), and my journey with this incredible platform began out of sheer curiosity. Little did I know that this discovery would eventually lead me to the State of the Map Asia 2024 conference—my first-ever conference application. I cannot express the joy I felt when both my presentation and I were selected to be part of this esteemed event. Though I received only a partial scholarship, I was determined to make it to Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. Traveling from Nepal, we were a group of four. I had already booked my flight, which departed from Delhi, while my friends flew directly from Kathmandu.

The Journey to Cox’s Bazar

The journey wasn’t without its challenges. I had a tight three-hour transit in Dhaka to catch my domestic flight to Cox’s Bazar. However, my international flight faced delays, and applying for a visa on arrival meant standing in a long queue. Fearing I might miss my next flight, I humbly requested the visa officer to expedite my process. Time was of the essence, so I couldn’t exchange currency or get a local SIM card. With only minutes to spare, I dashed to the domestic terminal, relieved to find that my domestic flight was also delayed by an hour. I was informed by Sawan Sir that I would meet Hasna Heena and Fazle Rabbi at the airport, which comforted me as they were on the same flight. True to their reputation, the lovely couple warmly welcomed me, helped me exchange currency, and ensured I felt at home upon reaching the hotel.

First Impressions

I reached Cox’s Bazar on November 29, 2024, and was greeted with a mesmerizing view of the sea. Seeing the ocean for the first time was a surreal experience, but the hot weather and conference preparations kept me from enjoying it immediately. At the venue, I met my friends from Nepal and Bangladesh, along with other participants. The atmosphere was vibrant, filled with anticipation for the upcoming sessions.

The Conference Experience

The two-day conference, held from November 30 to December 1, 2024, was packed with insightful presentations and discussions. Nama Raj Budhathoki, from the Open Mapping Hub Asia Pacific, delivered a captivating keynote speech to kick off the event. Topics such as disaster resilience, women’s safety, and UAV basics caught my attention. I particularly enjoyed the session on “From Data to Action: Creating 3D Flood Visualizations with Open Source Tools like OSM and QGIS,” which was both innovative and inspiring.

My Presentation

On the second day, I delivered my presentation titled “Mapping Critical Infrastructures for Disaster Resilience Using OpenStreetMap.” It was my first time speaking at such a prestigious event, and I admit I felt a bit nervous. My presentation focused on the importance of mapping critical infrastructures and its necessity in various scenarios. For instance, during a flood, mapped features enable quick access to safe spaces and evacuation shelters, as well as identifying the safest and shortest routes. Similarly, in unfamiliar locations, having the mapped locations of health facilities can be lifesaving in emergencies, allowing patients to receive timely medical attention. However, as I began speaking.However, seeing Hasna Heena nodding encouragingly from the front row and recognizing familiar faces like Kazi Arifin Jamil among the audience gave me confidence. Their support turned what could have been a nerve-wracking experience into a memorable one.

Beyond the Conference

we had the opportunity to visit the beach, where we savored delicious local seafood alongside friends from various countries. The camaraderie among participants was truly uplifting, and the “OSM Guru Dinner” on the final evening provided a perfect conclusion to the event. During the dinner, we shared our OSM journeys, reflected on the critical role of data validation, and envisioned the future possibilities of open mapping. A heartfelt thanks to Azar, Ibtehal, Nodi, and everyone else who went above and beyond to make us feel welcomed and at home in Bangladesh. This conference was also an opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces like Mikko, Honey, and Harry, whom I had previously met at SLSI and Kathmandu University. The event concluded with awards for poster presentations, Mapper of the Year, and other activities, leaving everyone with a sense of accomplishment and inspiration.

Reflections

State of the Map Asia 2024 was a transformative experience for me. From overcoming travel hurdles to presenting my work on an international platform, this journey has been one of growth and learning. I am grateful for the State of Map Asia team, friends, mentors, and opportunities that OSM has brought into my life. This event not only deepened my understanding of open mapping but also reinforced my commitment to leveraging OSM for community resilience and development.

This is my first major mapping project on OpenStreetMap, and I’m calling it the StephenvilleTX Project. I’ve been spending a lot of time refining the roads and overall layout of the city, and it’s been both an exciting and challenging experience. One of my main goals is to improve overall road accuracy before moving on to fine-tuning the local businesses and points of interest.

To help ensure precise positioning, I recently took a drive around Stephenville with my GPS running.
My recent GPS trace helps align the map more accurately than just relying on satellite imagery. Capturing these traces, along with taking my own photos, has been a rewarding challenge, even if it’s hard not to nitpick over every last pixel of road placement.

On the technical side, I’m still learning to navigate JOSM. The learning curve is definitely steep, but I’m enjoying the process and feeling more confident every day. My prior experience doing DoorDash and Lyft around town has given me a strong sense of Stephenville’s geography, and it’s been a huge help in knowing where to refine details and ensure data accuracy.

If any other mappers are working in this area, I’d be happy to collaborate. Need fresh GPS traces or specific location photos? Just let me know. I’m excited to continue improving the map together and creating something that truly reflects the city’s layout and character!

A Memorable Experience

When I received the news about the State of the Map Asia 2024 in Cox’s Bazar, I was filled with excitement. I was traveling from Chattogram to Cox’s Bazar for this conference was a new adventure. As a Campus Ambassador for the University of Chittagong and a representative of the CUSS YouthMappers Chapter, attending this event was a great honor. The accommodation scholarship I received allowed me to stay at Hotel Prime Park, making the entire experience even more special.

The Journey Begins

The journey from Chattogram to Cox’s Bazar on November 29th was filled with excitement and anticipation. I traveled with one of my friends and three juniors, all of whom were equally excited. Along the way, the scenic beauty of the surroundings made the trip more enjoyable, and we couldn’t help but look forward to what awaited us in Cox’s Bazar. Upon arrival, we were welcomed by the warm hospitality of our hosts, and everything went smoothly. The city of Cox’s Bazar, with its stunning 120 km-long beach, was unlike anything I had ever seen before. The beauty of the sea and the peaceful atmosphere left me in awe, and we made sure to capture some special moments, including drone shots of the beach, thanks to Krishna Prashad Mondal Dada. The entire trip, both to and from Cox’s Bazar, was truly an enjoyable experience.

The Conference Experience

Attending State of the Map Asia 2024 was an eye-opening experience. The sessions and workshops were rich with knowledge, especially the WebMapping workshop, which was completely new to me. I learned about various aspects of web mapping, which opened up a whole new area of interest for me. The event was an opportunity to meet passionate mappers, developers, and experts from various backgrounds. I was particularly excited to connect with members of the Jahangirnagar University YouthMappers Chapter, and it was great to see the collaborative spirit in action. The conference highlighted the diverse applications of OpenStreetMap (OSM), and I felt truly inspired by the ways OSM is being used to solve real-world problems, especially in humanitarian efforts and disaster risk reduction. The workshops were hands-on, and I appreciated the chance to learn practical skills that I look forward to applying in my future endeavors.

Networking and Connections

Beyond the learning, one of the best parts of the conference was meeting so many people from the OSM community. I made connections with individuals I had only interacted with online before. The experience of sharing ideas and stories in person was truly invaluable. One of the highlights of the event was meeting a senior from our university unexpectedly. It made the experience even more enjoyable as we were able to enjoy the entire event together.

The Beach Experience

One of my favorite memories was our time at the beach. The opportunity to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Cox’s Bazar was refreshing. The drone shots captured by Krishna Prashad Mondal Dada provided a stunning perspective of the landscape, and it was a moment we will all remember.

Heartfelt Thanks

A special thanks to the State of the Map Asia 2024 organizing committee for hosting such a well-executed and inclusive event. I am particularly grateful to Sawan Sharir, Mikko, Honey Grace Fombuena, Harry Mahardhika Machmud, and the Open Mapping Hub - Asia Pacific for creating such a fantastic platform for learning, collaboration, and community-building. Special thanks to Amena Rashid Bania Apu for her encouragement and support throughout the conference. I would also like to thank Krishna Prashad Mondal Dada for capturing the amazing drone shots at the beach. I am also grateful to the State of the Map Asia 2024 organizing team, the YouthMappers community, and everyone who made this event possible. Your efforts gave me such a rewarding experience, and I am truly thankful. Thanks to CUSS YouthMappers Chapter for their unwavering support, and to my two friends and two juniors for joining me on this journey. Their enthusiasm made the experience even more enjoyable, and we all shared some unforgettable moments together.

Reflecting on the Journey

As I returned to Chattogram on December 1st, I felt deeply inspired by the knowledge and connections I had gained at State of the Map Asia 2024. The experience was enriching, and I am more motivated than ever to contribute to the OpenStreetMap community. It was not just a conference, but a celebration of the power of maps, collaboration, and the global community that drives meaningful change.

On November 30 and December 1, 2024, the breathtaking shores of Cox’s Bazar played host to an extraordinary gathering of mapping enthusiasts, community leaders, and changemakers at State of the Map Asia 2024! This landmark event brought together the OpenStreetMap community to celebrate achievements, share knowledge, and drive the open mapping movement forward. Here’s a glimpse into what we accomplished together:

Event Highlights

💡 02 Keynote Sessions: We were inspired by two visionary keynote speakers who shared powerful insights and sparked meaningful conversations about the future of open mapping. Their perspectives served as a catalyst for fresh ideas and bold innovations.

🔊 31 Lightning Talks: These bite-sized presentations delivered bursts of inspiration, highlighting unique stories and experiences from mappers across Asia and beyond. Each talk was a testament to the diversity and creativity of our community.

🎤 44 General Talks: In-depth discussions provided attendees with a wealth of knowledge on topics ranging from innovative mapping technologies to community success stories. These sessions deepened our understanding of open mapping’s transformative power.

🏢 6 Organizational Talks: Spotlighting impactful initiatives, organizations shared how they are using open mapping to drive change and address global challenges. These talks underscored the critical role of collaboration in our mission.

🛠️ 3 Hands-On Workshops: Interactive workshops equipped participants with practical skills and tools to enhance their mapping capabilities. From technical training to collaborative problem-solving, these sessions empowered attendees to create meaningful impact.

🗣️ 2 Panel Discussions: Dynamic dialogues brought together experts to discuss challenges and opportunities in open mapping. These panels fostered thought-provoking exchanges, highlighting diverse perspectives and collective solutions.

🌍 1 Mapathon: In a powerful demonstration of collaborative action, participants came together to create valuable data that supports disaster preparedness, sustainable development, and resilience-building efforts.

A Celebration of Community and Impact

From stimulating conversations to impactful collaborations, State of the Map Asia 2024 showcased the incredible potential of the OpenStreetMap community to drive positive change. Together, we celebrated open mapping as a force for sustainable development, disaster preparedness, and inclusive innovation.

Thank You!

To everyone who joined us—whether in person on the stunning shores of Cox’s Bazar or virtually from around the world—thank you for making this event unforgettable. Your passion and dedication continue to shape the future of mapping and empower communities globally.

As we reflect on the milestones achieved at State of the Map Asia 2024, we’re already looking ahead to even greater accomplishments. Stay tuned as we embark on the next chapter of the open mapping movement. Together, we’ll continue to build a more informed, resilient, and inclusive world.

~~~

Sawan Shariar

Coordinator

State of the Map Asia 2024 Organizing Team

Мы пережили отключение серверов!

А теперь я быстренько залью свои правочки пока они опять не легли :)

The Excitement Begins

When I first received the email confirming my scholarship to attend State of the Map Asia 2024 in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, I was overjoyed. It was my first international travel experience, and to make it even more special, it was my first time attending a State of the Map conference. The excitement was real, but so were the nerves. The initial thrill was soon followed by a whirlwind of preparations—official paperwork, visa applications, currency exchanges, and everything in between. At one point, I found myself wondering how I would manage this journey to a faraway country where I didn’t know anyone. But those thoughts soon eased when I knew that some of my friends would be traveling with me. Knowing I wouldn’t be alone made me feel calmer and even more excited for the adventure ahead.

The Journey

The trip to Bangladesh and the onward journey to Cox’s Bazar were incredible, thanks to the warm hospitality of our Bangladeshi friends. They ensured that everything went smoothly, making the entire experience comfortable and enjoyable. Cox’s Bazar was unlike anything I had ever seen before. Coming from a landlocked country, getting a close view of the sea for the first time was simply mesmerizing. The beaches stretched endlessly, and the beauty of the waves crashing against the shore left me in awe. Exploring the city and visiting tourist attractions added an unforgettable charm to my trip.

The Conference Experience

The State of the Map Asia 2024 conference was everything I had hoped for and more. The sessions were packed with valuable insights, showcasing the diverse ways OpenStreetMap (OSM) data is being used across Asia. I attended presentations that highlighted innovative projects from the private sector, government, and civil society, and learned about real-world applications of OSM in humanitarian efforts and disaster risk reduction. The attendees were of every age group from students to experts.

The conference also featured hands-on workshops, which were a major highlight for me. I participated in sessions on web maps and UAV data processing, gaining practical skills that I’m excited to apply in my future work. One of the most memorable moments was when I got the opportunity to moderate a session—a completely new and enriching experience that boosted my confidence and expanded my skills.

Sharing My Story

One of the most fulfilling moments of the event was sharing my journey with OSM. During my presentation, I talked about how OSM provided me with the opportunities that helped me hone my skills and also shared how we at the Institute of Himalayan Risk Reduction (IHRR) are leveraging OSM data for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) projects. It felt rewarding to showcase how mapping can make communities safer and more resilient to disasters. Connecting with like-minded individuals who appreciated our work was deeply satisfying. Sharing my story not only gave me a sense of pride but also motivated me to continue working towards impactful solutions through open mapping.

Building Connections

This event wasn’t just about learning; it was about meeting people. I finally got to meet individuals I had only interacted with online before—fellow mappers, mentors, and collaborators. Seeing them in person and having meaningful conversations felt surreal. It reminded me of the strength of the open mapping community and how interconnected we all are, even from different corners of the world. The conference also recognized my contributions to OSM, which was incredibly motivating. It reinforced my commitment to open mapping and left me eager to contribute even more to this amazing community.

The Beauty of Bangladesh

Beyond the conference, exploring Cox’s Bazar was an experience I will always treasure. The breathtaking view of the sea, the long stretches of sandy beaches, and the vibrant culture of the city left me in awe. For someone who had never seen the sea before, the sight was magical.

The hospitality of the Bangladeshi people made this journey even more special. From helping us navigate the city to sharing their culture with us, their kindness made every moment memorable.

A Heartfelt Thanks

A special thanks to: Sawan Sharir, Mikko, the State of the Map Asia organizing team, Youthmappers, and the Open Mapping Hub - Asia Pacific for providing such an incredible platform and everyone involved in this process.

Moving Forward

This experience has left me deeply inspired, as the knowledge I gained, the connections I built, and the memories I created have been transformative. Attending State of the Map Asia 2024 was a significant milestone in my OSM journey, reminding me of the power of maps to unite people, solve problems, and create lasting change. I return home motivated to apply these learnings and continue making meaningful contributions to OpenStreetMap.