Subject Guides: Humanitarian Mapping: Tips for Getting Started

Tips for Getting Started

Humanitarian mapping is a critical tool for supporting disaster response and development efforts, and it is a great way to get involved and make a difference in the lives of those affected by crises and disasters. Whether you are a seasoned mapper or just starting out, there are many ways to get involved and make a difference through humanitarian mapping. If you are interested in becoming a humanitarian mapping volunteer, here are some steps to get started:

Familiarize yourself with the basics of GIS and mapping: If you are new to GIS and mapping, it is important to familiarize yourself with the basics. This will help you understand the tools and techniques used in humanitarian mapping, and provide you with a foundation for your future mapping efforts. You can start by taking online courses or reading introductory books and articles on the subject.

LearnOSM
LearnOSM provides easy to understand, step-by-step guides for you to get started with contributing to OpenStreetMap and using OpenStreetMap and using OpenStreetMap data.

Join a humanitarian mapping community: There are many communities and organizations that support humanitarian mapping efforts, and joining one of these groups is a great way to get started. The Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (HOT) is a well-known and respected organization that supports mapping efforts in response to disasters and crises. By joining HOT, you will have access to training, tools, and support from a community of experienced mappers. These are some of the larger humanitarian mapping communities:

Humanitarian OpenStreetMap (HOT)
HOT is an international team dedicated to
humanitarian action and community development through open mapping.
Missing Maps
Missing Maps is a project led by a collective of organizations working towards a common goal of creating accessible map data where humanitarian organizations are operating.
YouthMappers
Capitalizing on web-based open geospatial technologies, and a network of universities around the globe, YouthMapper's mission is to cultivate a generation of young leaders to create resilient communities and to define their world by mapping it.
Ushahidi
Ushahidi is a global not-for-profit technology company that develops open-source, integrated tools and services to enable people to generate solutions and mobilize communities for good. Founded in 2008 as a tool to monitor and map post-election violence in Kenya, Ushahidi’s crowdsourcing tools have been used by thousands of groups and millions of people to raise voices, inform decisions, stop suffering and influence change.

Participate in mapathons and events: Mapathons are events where volunteers come together to contribute data and updates to OpenStreetMap (OSM) in support of humanitarian efforts. These events are a great way to get hands-on experience with mapping, and to meet other volunteers who share your interests and passions. Mapathons are often held in response to specific disasters or crises, so check with local organizations to see if there are any events happening in your area.

OpenStreetMap Event Calendar
OpenStreetMap's event calendar with listings for in-person and online mapping meetups from around the globe.
HOT Tasking Manager
Humanitarian OpenStreetMap's Tasking Manager where you can find active humanitarian mapping projects sorted by location and urgency.

Develop your mapping skills: There are many ways to develop your mapping skills, from taking online courses to participating in practical projects. For example, you can use OSM to contribute data and updates in your local area, or participate in mapping efforts in response to specific disasters or crises. Additionally, many organizations offer training and workshops to help volunteers improve their mapping skills, so be sure to check with your local organizations to see what opportunities are available.

Stay involved and connected: Once you have started volunteering, it is important to stay involved and connected with other mappers and organizations. This will help you stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field, and ensure that you have access to the latest tools and resources. Additionally, by staying involved, you will be able to continue to build your skills and contribute to humanitarian efforts in new and meaningful ways.