A Successful OpenStreetMap Activity at MVGR College’s SLC
By contributing to OpenStreetMap, you’re not just putting places on a map—you’re helping to shape the world and make it more accessible for everyone.
At MVGR College’s Swecha learning Center (SLC), we recently embarked on a journey to better understand and contribute to the world around us—right from our own homes! Through an exciting OpenStreetMap (OSM) activity, we learned how to map our surroundings, correct errors, and make a lasting impact on a global platform.
Over the course of two days, we conducted an OpenStreetMap (OSM) event. On the first day, we introduced participants to OSM, and on the second day, we covered editing and mapping techniques. Participants then applied these skills by mapping the nearby areas.
Kicking of the activity
Mapping from home
In the spirit of remote collaboration, participants were encouraged to map their surroundings from the comfort of their homes. This innovative approach allowed students to contribute meaningfully to the global map, even during a time when gathering in person wasn’t feasible. Each participant was tasked with identifying and mapping out various features in their neighborhood, such as streets, landmarks, and public facilities.
The activity began with an online session where participants were introduced to the concept of OpenStreetMap. Our volunteers[MANOJ,SAI VENKAT,RUPA] highlighted the many uses of OSM, from providing accurate maps for humanitarian efforts to enabling local communities to showcase their neighborhoods. The session also covered the basics of mapping, including how to contribute to OSM, the tools involved, and the best practices for accurate mapping.
Advancing GIS with Community Mapping
This event contributed to GIS by improving OpenStreetMap’s accuracy. Our collective mapping efforts refined global maps, demonstrating the power of community participation in enhancing geographic data and supporting various applications, from urban planning to disaster response.
Participants: M Vamsi krishna, Phani, Tanooj, Mokshagna, Gayathri, Rohith, Deepak, Harsha, Vamsi, Divya, Akanksha
How to Contribute to OpenStreetMap
You can contribute to OpenStreetMap by updating nearby locations on the map. Simply log in to their website at www.openstreetmap.org and start making a difference in your local area.
