Humanitarian Mapping

*The HOT interface (iD editor) to map remote areas using satellite imagery*

Description

Our team of geospatial and mapping experts regularly participate in and support mapathon events organised by Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) Luxembourg and other international NGOs.

A mapathon is a coordinated mapping event organised by NGOs, governments or local communities in which the public is invited to make online map improvements in specific parts of the world to improve coverage and to support field activities of the humanitarian sector worldwide, helping disaster risk assessment, and energy management, between others. These events use an online site for storing map data, such as OpenStreetMap. They are often held inside (“armchair mapping“), in a room with strong Wi-Fi for simultaneous access, assisted by satellite imagery, but they can also be an outside activity with online simultaneous map editing assisted by GPS trackers on mobile devices.

Humanitarian OpenStreetMap (HOT) is the platform mostly used during mapathons, where volunteers can digitally connect and easily map the most vulnerable places in the developing world so that local and international non-governmental organisations can use these maps and data to better respond to crises affecting these areas. Through the Missing Maps project, the HOT global community creates maps of high vulnerability areas where data is scarce, putting millions of people onto the world map in OpenStreetMap.

Each year disasters around the world kill nearly 100 000 and effect and displace nearly 200 million people. Many of these places where disasters occur are literally missing from any map and first responder lacks the information to make valuable decisions regarding relief efforts, search and rescue operations, and so on.

We work together to provide map data which revolutionises disaster management, reduces risks, and contributes to achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (HOT)