Name: CSU Humanitarian Mapathon
Start: 2017-04-19T17:00:00-06:00
End: 2017-04-19T19:00:00-06:00
Location: Ramskeller, Lory Student Center, CSU Campus

Volunteers from Colorado State University student body, faculty and the public will map infrastructure to support a humanitarian mission (exact project TBD) …from the comfort of the Ramskeller.

The process of mapping in OpenStreetMap is easy, interesting, a good way to connect with other humanitarians, and a great way to help the most vulnerable populations on Earth. Participants will add roads and buildings into OpenStreetMap using satellite imagery procured by the US State Department from Westminster-based DigitalGlobe. No experience is necessary to participate in the mapathon.

Bring:

• Laptop computer (Linux, Mac or Windows)

• An external mouse is highly recommended

• Power supply for laptop

Directions and Parking:

• From South Shields St (major North-South Street in Fort Collins)

• Take West Pitkin St toward the east (only direction one can go on Pitkin from Shields)

• Turn left on Meridian Ave

• Turn Right on South Dr

• South Dr dead ends into parking lot. Parking is free after 4:00 pm!

• Other routes into campus may be blocked by construction.

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/7/b/4/e/600_446911566.jpeg

FAQs:

Q: What software 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 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/). However, none of this is required ahead of time.

Q: What if I don't have a laptop computer?

A: If you are a CSU student, laptops are available for check out. Unfortunately, at this event we don't have laptops available for the general public to use. We are considering holding a future event in a computer lab so this isn't an issue.

Q: My laptop computer is very old, will it run the editing software?

A: Most likely yes. The editing software runs inside a browser. As long as you have a modern internet browser installed, such as Chrome, IE, Safari, Firefox, everything should work. If you want to test it ahead of time, the instructions for the event are here (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Td1N-CvbShYeqO7Gi5u_x3C0OYQMLS21xtZ9QAPkjGU/edit?usp=sharing).

Q: Do I have to bring anything other than a laptop computer?

A: Nothing else is required. Again, an external mouse is highly recommend. It will tend to make your mapping more enjoyable and precise.

Q: What can I expect?

A: Mapathons are very laid back affairs. A "quick start" guide will be provided and experienced folks will be on hand to answer questions. Then it is just folks sitting around mapping from imagery and socializing and perhaps enjoying a beverage. 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 can't make it exactly at 5:00 pm, can I come late?

A: Absolutely! Arrive at any time and leave at any time (between 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm). These are very laid back informal events.

Q: I am a long ways from Fort Collins (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 30+ other map geeks, but you can participate remotely. I will post a link to the instructions as the event draws near.

Mike Thompson

Riley R

Sophia Linn

OSM Colorado

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CSU Humanitarian Mapathon

Ramskeller, Lory Student Center, CSU Campus

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CSU Humanitarian Mapathon

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