Maurine Oyugi
YouthMappers Regional Ambassador based in Kenya, Intern at the EarthScope Consortium, and a graduate in BSc. Geomatic Engineering and Geospatial Information Systems, class of 2023 of the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.
YouTube Content creator in my free time.
YouTube Channel: Oyugi K.
YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTbM-j6H3ZOtquzRbulEbvQ
Intervention
This proposal aims to outline a comprehensive plan to map all African countries on OpenStreetMap (OSM) while simultaneously documenting the journey through captivating video content on YouTube. The primary objective of this project is to contribute to the improvement of geographical data in Africa while promoting knowledge sharing, community engagement, and the benefits of open-source mapping. Additionally, I am learning about other people's cultures and ways of life through mapping. Needless to say, satellite imageries reveal the religion (sometimes), the climate, the infrastructure and the population density of the place, among other information.
The methodology for this project involves careful planning and preparation. A detailed roadmap will be developed, dividing the mapping process into manageable segments for each African country.
Data will be contributed to OpenStreetMap for every country, where the challenge is to map at least 10 minutes a day in a different country in Africa for one hundred days (Some videos are already on YoutUbe on my channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTbM-j6H3ZOtquzRbulEbvQ).
This project is targeting small villages in every African Country, as it assumes most cities are well-mapped. However, some countries may be spacely populated hence difficult to find a small village, lest one is familiar with the country.
Most data will be contributed directly to the OpenStreetMap as it is difficult to create tasks for each country and finish them in at least 10 minutes. The MAXAR imagery will be used throughout, encouraging consistency and accuracy.
Video documentation will play a crucial role in this project, as it will capture the mapping process, challenges faced, and achievements made. These high-quality video episodes will provide educational and informative narratives, explaining the importance of each mapping step and showcasing the cultural and geographic diversity of African countries. The videos will serve as a valuable resource, inspiring and educating viewers about the benefits of open-source mapping and the significance of accurate geospatial data. The channel provides a platform for engagement, allowing viewers to comment, provide suggestions, and offer feedback. The engagement will help foster a sense of community and collaboration, further enhancing the project's impact.
The deliverables of this project include the complete and accurate mapping of some villages in all African countries on OpenStreetMap, detailed and up-to-date geographic data available for public use, a series of engaging video episodes documenting the mapping journey, collaborative engagement with the OpenStreetMap community, and increased visibility and engagement on the YouTube channel.
This project has the potential to make a significant impact. It will improve the accuracy and completeness of geospatial data for African countries, supporting various applications such as urban planning, disaster management, and sustainable development. Additionally, it will empower local communities by enabling them to actively participate in mapping their own neighbourhoods and contribute to the accuracy and relevance of geospatial data. It will also promote open-source mapping principles, encouraging collaboration and knowledge sharing within the global mapping community. Furthermore, it will increase awareness and appreciation of Africa's cultural, historical, and natural diversity, challenging stereotypes and promoting cross-cultural dialogue.
In conclusion, this proposal presents an ambitious plan to map all African countries on OpenStreetMap while documenting the journey through captivating video content on YouTube. The project aims to contribute to the improvement of geospatial data in Africa, inspire and educate viewers about the benefits of open-source mapping, and foster collaboration and empowerment within local communities. Through the combined efforts of accurate data collection and compelling storytelling, this initiative has the potential to create a more inclusive and connected mapping ecosystem for Africa.