U of Wyoming Humanitarian Mapathon

Join us for an evening of fun, food, and helping some of the most vulnerable populations on Earth through mapping!

Using satellite imagery we will be mapping the area around Montego Bay Jamaica. The data we create will be used by the Red Cross in their efforts to assist local residents and authorities to be prepared for natural disasters. After the mapping from satellite is complete, a Red Cross team will travel to Montego Bay to train local staff and volunteers how to capture more detailed geospatial data using the OpenStreetMap platform. The final data will assist with program operations and decision making.

Pizza will be provided. If you are planning on attending, please RSVP so we can get a count for ordering.

Q: Where can I park for the event?

A:

https://a248.e.akamai.net/secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/5/4/f/b/600_447621755.jpeg

There is also free parking east of the stadium:

https://a248.e.akamai.net/secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/5/5/a/6/600_447621926.jpeg

Q: What software/platform will we be using?

A: You can make edits using any OpenStreetMap editor. We will provide instructions for the iD Editor (http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/ID), and there will probably be several mappers in attendance who will be using the the more advanced JOSM Editor (http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/JOSM).

Q: What should I do to prepare?

A: No preparation is necessary, however, if you don't have an OpenStreetMap account you can create one ahead of time here (https://www.openstreetmap.org/user/new). Learning resources are available at learnosm.org (http://learnosm.org/en/beginner/introduction/) and MapGive (http://mapgive.state.gov/learn-to-map/) . However, none of this is required ahead of time.

Q: Do I have to bring anything?

A: You don't have to bring anything, but if you have a laptop, please bring it as there may be more participants than lab computers. If you bring a laptop computer, an external mouse is highly recommended.

Q: What can I expect?

A: An experienced OpenStreetMap contributor will give a short "how to" presentation and then we will start mapping. A "quick start" guide will be provided as well, and experienced folks will be on hand to answer questions. Then it is just folks sitting around mapping from imagery and socializing. Some of that socializing will probably be about the mapping ("how do I...?" or "how would you map this?"), but most will probably not be. I will tabulate the results after and send out to the participants.

Q: Does participation in a humanitarian mapathon count toward my GISP?

A: I corresponded with the GISCI and they indicated it does. I don't have other details as to what category it may be listed under. Be sure I have your contact info and make me aware that you need documentation for the GISP.

Q: I am with the media and would like to do a story on this event, do you have more information?

A: We are working on a press release, in the meantime, you can contact the organizers through this forum.

Q: I can't make it exactly at the start, can I come late?

A: Absolutely! Arrive at any time and leave at any time (between the start and approximately midway through the event). These are very laid back informal events.

We will be doing an introduction to OpenStreetMap and humanitarian mapping starting at the beginning of the event.

Q: I am a long ways from Laramie (or otherwise cannot attend in person), can I participate remotely?

A: Yes, it won't be nearly as much fun as hanging out in person with 50+ other map geeks, but you can participate remotely. Here is the "Quick Start" guide for this mapathon: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1U9m1Yr2d1L5BWMCMH0ChzrOaQCAIPkLEwdgYFQXRPZo/edit?usp=sharing

This information is contained in the Quick Start Guide, but for easy reference we will be working on task #2391 (http://tasks.hotosm.org/project/2391) "Missing Maps: Jamaica #2 - Resilience in the Americas #22"

Q: Can I bring my own laptop and connect to wifi to do the mapping?

A: Yes! Please bring your laptop. There are limited computer stations.