A mapathon is a learning event where volunteers meet to focus mapping efforts on the same region. To organize one, choose a task from the HOT Tasking Manager, register the event, find a venue, and spread the word. Mapathons organized by Politecnico di Milano included traditional mapping parties, emergencies mapping, and ones with children. Validation is important, especially for children, to avoid common mistakes. Successful mapathons thank participants and quantify results.

1. How to organize and run your own OSM
humanitarian mapathon
Marco Minghini
Politecnico di Milano – GEOlab

2. Politecnico di Milano – GEOlab
➔ http://geolab.como.polimi.it
✔ GEOlab (Geomatics and Earth Observation laboratory) is a multi-
disciplinary research group of Politecnico di Milano which is focused on
collecting, modeling, analysing and representing Earth observations:
✔ The main topics of the GIS group of GEOlab are the following:
➔ design & development of FOSS4G-based mobile and Web applications,
including virtual globe 3D platforms
➔ development of ad hoc processing algorithms and tools using FOSS4G
➔ VGI, geo-crowdsourcing and Citizen Science

3. OpenStreetMap (OSM) – what is it?
➔ founded by Steve Coast in UK in 2004
(http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/History_of_OpenStreetMap)
➔ a free, editable vector map of the whole world built by volunteers
(http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/About_OpenStreetMap)
✔ The most popular project of Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI)
http://www.openstreetmap.org

4. OpenStreetMap (OSM) – how many users?
✔ Currently (May 2016) there are about 2.5 million registered users
(http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Stats)

5. OpenStreetMap (OSM) – license
➔ OSM was born from the evidence that many geodata are proprietary
or copyrighted, i.e. you cannot freely use them (e.g. Google Maps)
(http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Why_OpenStreetMap%3F)
➔ OSM is licensed under the Open Database License (ODbL) by the
OpenStreetMap Foundation (OSMF):
✔ OpenStreetMap is an openly-licensed database!
http://opendatacommons.org/licenses/odbl/summary

6. OpenStreetMap (OSM) – how to contribute
➔ iD: a simple, easy-to-use online editor – suitable for beginners
(http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/ID)
➔ JOSM: a more powerful, offline editor – suitable for experienced users
(https://josm.openstreetmap.de)
➔ Vespucci: an Android editor – suitable for fast and efficient field survey
(http://vespucci.io)
➔ many others (full list at http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Editors)
✔ Everything you need to contribute to OSM is to create an account from
http://www.openstreetmap.org
✔ Then you need to get started working with an OSM editor:

7. OpenStreetMap (OSM) – the data model
➔ NODE: a single point
➔ WAY: an ordered list of nodes
✔ OSM objects are the combination of geometries and tags.
✔ There are 3 geometries (http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Elements):
✗ polyline: initial and final
nodes do not coincide
✗ polygon: initial and
final nodes coincide
➔ RELATION: a logic group of
nodes, polylines & polygons

8. OpenStreetMap (OSM) – the data model
➔ example: a building (polygon) which is used as a hotel has the tag
building = hotel
✔ OSM objects are the combination of geometries and tags.
✔ Tags are the object attributes, and are composed of a key and a value:
KEY VALUE
➔ an object must have at least one tag, but can have any number of tags
➔ the reference set of OSM tags (a “must” for any OSM user) is available
at http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Map_Features

9. OpenStreetMap (OSM) – the data model
✔ OSM objects are the combination of geometries and tags.
✔ Tags are the object attributes, and are composed of a key and a value:

10. OpenStreetMap (OSM) – the data model
✔ OSM objects are the combination of geometries and tags.
✔ Tags are the object attributes, and are composed of a key and a value:
RELATION
type = route
route = bus
name = B30

11. OpenStreetMap (OSM) – how to add data
✔ Regardless of the OSM editor you are using, data can be derived from 3
different mapping actions:
➔ normal mapping: implies to have knowledge of the area to be mapped.
Data are captured using specific software such as GPS devices and field
papers (http://fieldpapers.org) this mapping method is adopted for→
mapping parties (http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Mapping_parties)

12. OpenStreetMap (OSM) – how to add data
✔ Regardless of the OSM editor you are using, data can be derived from 3
different mapping actions:
➔ normal mapping: implies to have knowledge of the area to be mapped.
Data are captured using specific software such as GPS devices and field
papers (http://fieldpapers.org) this mapping method is adopted for→
mapping parties (http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Mapping_parties)
➔ armchair mapping: consists in digitizing elements (roads, buildings,
etc.) in areas for which users have no previous knowledge. Data are
usually obtained from aerial/satellite imagery it is crucial to check→
the copyright of the data source used!

13. OpenStreetMap (OSM) – how to add data
✔ Regardless of the OSM editor you are using, data can be derived from 3
different mapping actions:
➔ normal mapping: implies to have knowledge of the area to be mapped.
Data are captured using specific software such as GPS devices and field
papers (http://fieldpapers.org) this mapping method is adopted for→
mapping parties (http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Mapping_parties)
➔ armchair mapping: consists in digitizing elements (roads, buildings,
etc.) in areas for which users have no previous knowledge. Data are
usually obtained from aerial/satellite imagery it is crucial to check→
the copyright of the data source used!
➔ bulk import: consists of the direct upload of data which is available
with an open (and compatible) license this mapping method is not→
for beginners and can introduce problems if not correctly performed!

14. Organizing an OSM humanitarian mapathon
✔ Before really starting to organize the humanitarian mapathon, become
familiar with the OSM project, OSM mapping & HOT/Missing Maps tools:
➔ explore the OSM wiki: http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Main_Page
➔ become familiar with the OSM editors (first iD and then JOSM)
✗ a great collection of tutorials for beginners and more advanced
users: http://learnosm.org/en
✗ a number of demo videos are available on YouTube as well
➔ familiarize with the humanitarian mapping using the Tasking Manager
✗ a set of videos for beginners:
http://www.missingmaps.org/contribute/#learn
✗ a step-by-step tutorial on how to map:
http://learnosm.org/en/coordination/humanitarian

15. The HOT Tasking Manager
✔ The tool designed for managing collaborative humanitarian mapping in
HOT and Missing Maps projects (http://tasks.hotosm.org):
➔ the areas to be mapped are subdivided into small sub-areas, that can be
completed rapidly – users map independently from each other and in
different areas, to avoid conflicts

16. Organizing an OSM humanitarian mapathon
✔ A mapathon is a learning event where a group of people meet together
to focus their mapping efforts on the same region of the world
✔ To organize a good mapathon, there are a number of things to consider
(see http://www.missingmaps.org/host):
➔ choose a mapping task from the Tasking Manager – connect with HOT
or Missing Maps to know which are the most pressing tasks
➔ register your event by filling the Missing Maps form at
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/174ZAAaqtRkJtyY2657RVAMbnvs8I
zujWAShZy3y3_FY/viewform so that it will be included in the official list
of Missing Maps events: http://www.missingmaps.org/events
➔ it is also good to add your event on the wiki listing all OSM-related
events: http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Current_events

17. Organizing an OSM humanitarian mapathon
✔ A mapathon is a learning event where a group of people meet together
to focus their mapping efforts on the same region of the world
✔ To organize a good mapathon, there are a number of things to consider
(see http://www.missingmaps.org/host):
➔ find a suitable venue according to the expected number of people:
✗ be sure there is a projector, sockets (for laptops) and good wifi!
➔ if you want/need to know the number of participants, set up a public
event with free registration (using e.g. Eventbrite)
➔ spread the word about your mapathon using the channels you prefer:
your company/organization website and social networks – on Twitter
use @hotosm and @TheMissingMaps to further advertise the event!
➔ (optional but really great) plan a streaming presentation with a staff
member of HOT or Missing Maps

18. Organizing an OSM humanitarian mapathon
✔ Mapathons we organized at Politecnico di Milano:
➔ 2016-04-20 – Mapathon for Japan and Ecuador earthquakes
➔ 2016-03-21 – Mapathon GEOlab
➔ 2016-03-03 – OSM MiniMapathon (read this post on HOT's blog)
➔ 2016-01-18 – OSM children mapathon
➔ 2015-11-19 – Politecnico di Milano Mapathon for OSM geoweek
➔ 2015-09-25 – OpenStreetMap@Como
➔ 2015-07-15 – OSM Mapping Party at FOSS4G Europe 2015
➔ 2015-04-29 – Helping Nepal with a mapping action at Como Campus

19. Organizing an OSM humanitarian mapathon
✔ Mapathons we organized at Politecnico di Milano:
➔ 2016-04-20 – Mapathon for Japan and Ecuador earthquakes
➔ 2016-03-21 – Mapathon GEOlab
➔ 2016-03-03 – OSM MiniMapathon (read this post on HOT's blog)
➔ 2016-01-18 – OSM children mapathon
➔ 2015-11-19 – Politecnico di Milano Mapathon for OSM geoweek
➔ 2015-09-25 – OpenStreetMap@Como
➔ 2015-07-15 – OSM Mapping Party at FOSS4G Europe 2015
➔ 2015-04-29 – Helping Nepal with a mapping action at Como Campus
traditional mapping parties

20. Organizing an OSM humanitarian mapathon
✔ Mapathons we organized at Politecnico di Milano:
➔ 2016-04-20 – Mapathon for Japan and Ecuador earthquakes
➔ 2016-03-21 – Mapathon GEOlab
➔ 2016-03-03 – OSM MiniMapathon (read this post on HOT's blog)
➔ 2016-01-18 – OSM children mapathon
➔ 2015-11-19 – Politecnico di Milano Mapathon for OSM geoweek
➔ 2015-09-25 – OpenStreetMap@Como
➔ 2015-07-15 – OSM Mapping Party at FOSS4G Europe 2015
➔ 2015-04-29 – Helping Nepal with a mapping action at Como Campus
traditional mapping parties
mapping for emergencies

21. Organizing an OSM humanitarian mapathon
✔ Mapathons we organized at Politecnico di Milano:
➔ 2016-04-20 – Mapathon for Japan and Ecuador earthquakes
➔ 2016-03-21 – Mapathon GEOlab
➔ 2016-03-03 – OSM MiniMapathon (read this post on HOT's blog)
➔ 2016-01-18 – OSM children mapathon
➔ 2015-11-19 – Politecnico di Milano Mapathon for OSM geoweek
➔ 2015-09-25 – OpenStreetMap@Como
➔ 2015-07-15 – OSM Mapping Party at FOSS4G Europe 2015
➔ 2015-04-29 – Helping Nepal with a mapping action at Como Campus
traditional mapping parties
mapping for emergencies
generic humanitarian mapathons

22. Organizing an OSM humanitarian mapathon
✔ Mapathons we organized at Politecnico di Milano:
➔ 2016-04-20 – Mapathon for Japan and Ecuador earthquakes
➔ 2016-03-21 – Mapathon GEOlab
➔ 2016-03-03 – OSM MiniMapathon (read this post on HOT's blog)
➔ 2016-01-18 – OSM children mapathon
➔ 2015-11-19 – Politecnico di Milano Mapathon for OSM geoweek
➔ 2015-09-25 – OpenStreetMap@Como
➔ 2015-07-15 – OSM Mapping Party at FOSS4G Europe 2015
➔ 2015-04-29 – Helping Nepal with a mapping action at Como Campus
traditional mapping parties
mapping for emergencies
with children
generic humanitarian mapathons

23. Organizing an OSM humanitarian mapathon
✔ Mapathons we organized at Politecnico di Milano:
➔ 2015-11-19 – Politecnico di Milano Mapathon for OSM geoweek

24. Organizing an OSM humanitarian mapathon
✔ Mapathons we organized at Politecnico di Milano:
➔ 2016-04-20 – Mapathon for Japan and Ecuador earthquakes

25. Organizing an OSM humanitarian mapathon
✔ Mapathons we organized at Politecnico di Milano:
➔ 2016-03-03 – OSM MiniMapathon (read this post on HOT's blog)

26. Organizing an OSM humanitarian mapathon
✔ A mapathon is a learning event where a group of people meet together
to focus their mapping efforts on the same region of the world
✔ To successfully close a mapathon, don't forget the following:
➔ ask participants to fill a questionnaire in order to get a feedback on the
mapathon and/or to fill the Missing Maps Volunteer Survey, available
at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ogzGmTIeYA4NVq5SwRU-
vIA9Bw1Ua7NRhrCYKUrnPqQ/viewform
➔ (possibly together with some experienced volunteers) use the Tasking
Manager to make sure the quality of the mapping done is satisfactory –
if not try to understand what went wrong, invalidate the task(s) and
contact the user(s) to explain the problems
➔ contact all the participants and thank them for joining the mapathon
➔ quantify the mapping done using this great tool from Pascal Neis:
http://resultmaps.neis-one.org/osm-changesets

27. Organizing an OSM humanitarian mapathon
➔ quantify the mapping done using this great tool from Pascal Neis:
http://resultmaps.neis-one.org/osm-changesets

28. OSM humanitarian mapathon with children
✔ When children are involved in the mapathon, validation of the mapping
is extremely important. Among the common mistakes made by children:
➔ wrong identification of building shapes

29. OSM humanitarian mapathon with children
✔ When children are involved in the mapathon, validation of the mapping
is extremely important. Among the common mistakes made by children:
➔ non orthogonalization of buildings

30. OSM humanitarian mapathon with children
✔ When children are involved in the mapathon, validation of the mapping
is extremely important. Among the common mistakes made by children:
➔ use of the wrong tag for buildings

31. OSM humanitarian mapathon with children
✔ When children are involved in the mapathon, validation of the mapping
is extremely important. Among the common mistakes made by children:
➔ double mapping of building geometries

32. OSM humanitarian mapathon with children
✔ When children are involved in the mapathon, validation of the mapping
is extremely important. Among the common mistakes made by children:
➔ mark as complete tasks which are not complete

33. Politecnico di Milano, GEOlab – Como Campus
Via Valleggio 11, 22100 Como (Italy)
marco.minghini@polimi.it
@MarcoMinghini
Marco Minghini