WikiIndaba 2024/Proposal/The Role of OpenStreetMap in Crisis Mapping and Wikimedia's Contribution

ID :	The Role of OpenStreetMap in Crisis Mapping and Wikimedia's Contribution
Author(s): Kingsley Chika CHUKWU		Username(s): KingVik Planet	Session type: Lecture
		Affiliation: Wikimedia Usergroup Rwanda and Igbo Wikipedia.	Session track(s): Research Education & Technology, Equity, Inclusion, and Community Health/Initiatives or GLAM, Heritage, and Culture
Abstract: This presentation will highlight the significant role of OpenStreetMap (OSM) in crisis mapping, especially during natural disasters and humanitarian crises, and how Wikimedia projects contribute to disseminating this critical information. It will emphasize the importance of collaboration between OpenStreetMap mappers and Wikimedia contributors to enhance the impact and reach of crisis response efforts. The session will begin with an introduction to crisis mapping using OpenStreetMap, focusing on the application of geospatial technology to gather, analyze, and visualize data in response to crises or conflicts. This will include mapping political unrest, social issues, epidemics, and environmental crises, providing a comprehensive understanding of the context, impact, and response to these crises. The presentation will provide examples of past crisis mapping efforts, demonstrating the effectiveness and importance of these initiatives. It will then explore how Wikimedia projects support the dissemination of this critical information and facilitate proper open knowledge sharing, highlighting the synergy between mapping on OpenStreetMap and documenting on Wikimedia. The visual representation of spatial data and its analysis on OpenStreetMap, combined with the detailed documentation and information on Wikimedia, offers a robust method for understanding and responding to crises. Finally, the presentation will issue a call to action for volunteers and contributors with expertise in both OpenStreetMap and Wikimedia. It will showcase the significance of their contributions in bridging the gap between geospatial data and comprehensive documentation, thus enhancing the quality and reach of crisis response efforts. This collaboration ensures that events are properly documented and the spatial impacts and distributions are effectively communicated, making a substantial difference in crisis management and recovery.			Audience : advanced or general.
			Mode: in-person, hybrid
			Special requirements: HDMI,Translation
How will this session be beneficial for the communities in the region? 1. Capacity Building: • The presentation will equip participants with essential knowledge and skills in crisis mapping using OpenStreetMap (OSM) and geospatial technologies. • Attendees will learn how to effectively gather, analyze, and visualize data during crises, enhancing their technical proficiency and ability to contribute to crisis response efforts. 2. Enhanced Collaboration: • Emphasizing the collaboration between OSM mappers and Wikimedia contributors will inspire participants to work together, leveraging their respective strengths. • This collaborative approach will maintain a stronger, more interconnected community, capable of addressing complex challenges through joint efforts. 3. Promoting Local Development: • By showcasing case studies of past crisis mapping efforts, the presentation will highlight how OSM data can be utilized for local development projects. • Participants will gain insights into how mapping and documenting local issues can support tourism, education, and community resilience. 4. Knowledge Sharing: • The session will provide a platform for sharing valuable experiences and best practices in crisis mapping and information dissemination. • Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how to integrate geospatial data with Wikimedia projects, improving the quality and reach of their contributions. 5. Motivation and Inspiration: • Hearing about the impactful uses of OSM and Wikimedia in crisis situations will motivate participants to contribute more actively to both platforms. • The presentation will inspire attendees to see the broader impact of their work, encouraging them to take on new projects and initiatives. 6. Community Building: • The call to action for volunteers and contributors will encourage participants to get involved and support ongoing efforts in crisis mapping and documentation. • This engagement will strengthen the community, creating a network of dedicated individuals working towards common goals. 7. Addressing Local and Regional Issues: • The focus on crisis mapping in the African context will address specific regional challenges, making the presentation highly relevant to the audience. • Participants will learn how to apply these techniques to their local contexts, contributing to the resilience and development of their communities. 8. Bridging Knowledge Gaps: • By integrating geospatial data with comprehensive documentation, the presentation will bridge gaps between data and information, enhancing the overall quality of knowledge shared on Wikimedia platforms. • This approach will ensure that both spatial and non-spatial aspects of crises are well-documented, providing a holistic view of the events.

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