State of the Map US, the annual conference for open mapping enthusiasts in the US, was convened last 8-11 June 2023 in the historic city of Richmond, Virginia. The conference served as an avenue to gather passionate individuals dedicated to advancing the field of open mapping and its diverse applications.
At the conference, UPRI YouthMappers’ co-mentor Feye Andal gave a lightning talk about the notable mapping efforts of various YouthMappers chapters in response to the earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria last February 2023. It can be recalled that UPRI and UPRI YouthMappers organized and held country-wide and global mapathons to support the Turkish OSM communities (Read: UPRI and UPRI YouthMappers conduct mapathon activities to support the Turkish OpenStreetMap community).
Feye discussed how critical open mapping has been in providing accurate information for humanitarian aid and disaster response in these countries, both have experienced severe destruction because of the earthquake. During her presentation, Feye provided insights into the issues faced by the YouthMappers chapters and highlighted their progress toward overcoming them. The talk demonstrated how mapping has empowered local communities, allowing various organizations and communities to work together to assist affected areas efficiently.
Moreover, Feye participated in a Birds of a Feather session led by Marcela Zeballos, Managing Director of YouthMappers, and Adele Birkenes, Geospatial Analyst of USAID-GeoCenter, to introduce YouthMappers to a broader audience. Feye talked and emphasized providing potential YouthMappers chapters with advice for setting up their chapters effectively. This session presented an invaluable opportunity for Feye to share her knowledge and experiences in establishing local chapters in the Philippines, giving useful insights and approaches for building successful YouthMappers chapters.
During the session, Feye highlighted the key steps necessary to launch a chapter, including connecting with local OpenStreetMap (OSM) communities and sharing success stories of how local communities have been able to serve their areas.
The session also fostered an interactive environment, promoting open discussions among the audience. Attendees had the chance to ask questions, share their experiences, and exchange thoughts on maximizing the impact of YouthMappers chapters in their regions. This collaborative atmosphere created new connections and motivated individuals to become part of the global movement of YouthMappers, intensifying the network’s reach and influence.
YouthMappers representatives at State of the Map US further showcased their dedication to involving and empowering young people in the mapping field. YouthMappers is an international consortium of university-based student organizations that promote leadership and teamwork and utilize open mapping and geospatial technologies for positive transformation and social change. To learn more about YouthMappers, visit https://youthmappers.org.
