CSU GIS Days Humanitarian Mapathon

Volunteers will map infrastructure in OpenStreetMap (OSM) to support a humanitarian mission. Note that this is a coordinated event with the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, and Front Range Community College in Longmont Colorado, and those institutions will be hosting attendees at their sites as well. Watch this Meetup group for additional announcements...

The process of mapping in OSM is easy, interesting, a good way to connect with other humanitarians, and a great way to help the most vulnerable populations on Earth.

No experience is necessary to participate in the mapathon. If you can trace, you can map!

Bring:

• Laptop computer (Linux, Mac or Windows)
• An external mouse <- IMPORTANT!
• 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 Hughes Way (was South Drive)
• Hughes Way dead ends into parking lot. Parking is free after 4:00 pm!
http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/7/b/4/e/600_446911566.jpeg

FAQs:

Q: What software will we be using?
A: All you need is a web browser. 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.

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 use a modern browser (Chrome, IE, Safari, Firefox) everything should work.

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. Instructions will be provided and experienced folks will be on hand to answer questions. Then you just sit around mapping from satellite 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.

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 4:00 pm, can I come late?
A: Absolutely! Arrive at any time and leave at any time (between 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm). These are very laid back informal events.

Q: I 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. We will post a link to the instructions as the event draws near.