Abstract
This talk aims to shed light on the critical challenges faced in physical mapping and the role of individuals and organizations in overcoming these obstacles. This submission will explore the unique perspective in tackling physical mapping challenges through innovative approaches and collaborative efforts. This challenge was identified during a field mapping activity we conducted for a prospective geospatial company.

YouthMappersFUTA, also known as the YouthMappers chapter at the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), is a dynamic and vibrant student organization dedicated to fostering geospatial skills and promoting open mapping in Nigeria. As part of the global YouthMappers network, YouthMappersFUTA brings together enthusiastic students from various disciplines who are passionate about leveraging geographic information systems (GIS) and mapping technologies for social impact. The chapter at FUTA is committed to empowering young people with the knowledge and tools needed to address local and global challenges through mapping. By harnessing the power of open data and collaborative mapping, YouthMappersFUTA aims to contribute to sustainable development initiatives, disaster response, urban planning, environmental conservation, and other critical areas.

The significance of physical mapping challenges in shaping sustainable development initiatives and decision-making processes

Physical mapping activities play a crucial role in shaping sustainable development initiatives and decision-making processes. Here are some key reasons why physical mapping is important:

Accurate Data for Planning: Physical mapping provides essential geospatial data that is vital for urban planning, infrastructure development, and land-use management. Accurate mapping helps decision-makers understand the existing physical landscape, identify suitable locations for infrastructure projects, and optimize resource allocation. This data-driven approach ensures that development initiatives are aligned with the physical realities on the ground, minimizing potential environmental impacts and enhancing sustainability.

Disaster Preparedness and Response: Physical mapping plays a significant role in disaster risk reduction and response efforts. Mapping areas prone to natural hazards such as floods, earthquakes, or wildfires helps identify vulnerable regions and facilitates the implementation of preventive measures. Additionally, accurate mapping enables emergency responders to efficiently navigate affected areas, assess damages, and plan rescue operations. This improves disaster management and aids in building resilient communities.

Environmental Conservation and Management: Physical mapping supports environmental conservation and natural resource management. It helps identify ecologically sensitive areas, wildlife habitats, and protected zones, enabling effective conservation planning and biodiversity preservation. Mapping also facilitates monitoring changes in land cover, deforestation, or habitat loss, aiding in the formulation of sustainable land management strategies and policies.

Infrastructure Development and Connectivity: Physical mapping is crucial for infrastructure planning and development. It helps identify suitable locations for roads, bridges, utilities, and transportation networks. Accurate mapping enables efficient routing and optimal placement of infrastructure projects, reducing costs, minimizing environmental impacts, and enhancing connectivity for communities. It also supports the development of smart cities and efficient transportation systems.

Land Rights and Tenure Security: Physical mapping plays a vital role in ensuring land rights and tenure security. Mapping helps establish clear boundaries, document land ownership, and resolve disputes. It provides evidence-based data that supports equitable distribution of land resources and enables effective land governance. By promoting transparency and accountability, physical mapping contributes to social justice and reduces conflicts related to land tenure.

Data-Driven Decision Making: Physical mapping provides a solid foundation of spatial data for evidence-based decision making. Accurate and up-to-date maps enable policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders to analyze geographic patterns, identify trends, and make informed decisions. By integrating physical mapping data with socioeconomic and environmental data, decision makers gain comprehensive insights that facilitate sustainable development planning and implementation.

Challenges Encountered During The Physical Mapping Activity.

Limited Resources and Funding: Physical mapping projects require resources such as trained personnel, equipment, and funding. Limited availability of these resources can hinder the scale and effectiveness of mapping initiatives.

Community Engagement and Participation: Engaging local communities in the mapping process is crucial for accurate data collection, validation, and sustainability. However, limited community participation or lack of awareness about the benefits of mapping can be a challenge to overcome.

Privacy and Security Concerns: Collecting and disseminating geospatial data raise privacy and security concerns. Protecting sensitive information while ensuring open access to relevant data can be a delicate balance to maintain.

Institutional Support and Collaboration: Establishing strong partnerships with government agencies, academic institutions, and other stakeholders is essential for successful physical mapping projects. Lack of institutional support or collaboration can hinder data sharing, coordination, and the long-term sustainability of mapping efforts.

Innovative Approaches and Solutions to Physical Mapping Challenges.

Government Bodies: Educating government agencies about the importance of OpenStreetMap data and the importance of physical mapping to improve the quality of data used to build geospatial solutions for the communities. This involves informing the government agencies in the locality about the event, the role of the government here is to create sensitization and approve that the mapping activities will not encroach the privacy of its citizens.

Innovators and Companies: Among the above listed challenges encountered during physical mapping is lack of funds to get adequate materials and to compensate personnels. Companies using OpenStreetMap data should also sponsor some mapping events, this generally increases the engagement of individuals in mapping activities.