Antidius Kawamala
Antidius Kawamala
an:
Innovator
OSM Translator (Swahili)
OSMF Member
Active Mapper
GIS Guru
and technology enthusiast who is optimistic about the future of OSM, Open Mapping and Open Data Systems in Tanzania and Africa at large.
Antidius is best known for champion on putting Tanga on the map.
He is a founder of ROOTGIS promoting innovation ecosystem in OSM through use of university networks in Tanzania.
In Tanzania, he is mainly known as the first person to innovate OSM Swahili platform that translates OSM information into Swahili language, as the first language spoken in East Africa, also as the who championed establishment of Swahili breakout room in Africa Monthly mapathons that he moderates regularly.
For two successive years 2021 and 2022 he has been advocating on putting Tanga on the map where he has been most influential Tanzanian in OSM spheres .
Antidius was part of the big project named Ramani Huria implemented in Dar es Salaam for five years funded by HOT as the Mapping supervisor and Quality Checks, also he has been involved in different HOT global activities as the volunteer in Trainings, Mapathons and Networking sessions.
In 2022, Antidius was selected by HOT Community Group as the one of the peer mentor in Mentorship Pilot Program, a program that involved experts from across the mapping communities and HOT in general where he came out with microgrant playbook that focuses on how mapping communities can secure grants and be sustainable.
Antidius is also a blogger focusing on innovation, technology entrepreneurship and the future of Open Mapping and Open Data Systems. He has written several thought-provoking articles about the innovation ecosystem in Open Mapping and Open Data Systems.
Session
This workshop explores the seamless integration of a powerful open-source GIS tool with mobile phones to facilitate a smooth transition from office-based work to field operations. By integrating QGIS, a desktop-based GIS tool, with Mergin maps, a mobile application, users can efficiently store and track changes to geodata in a collaborative manner.
One of the key advantages of this integration is the ability to store and synchronize projects across multiple mobile and desktop clients. This collaborative feature enhances teamwork and simplifies project coordination, ensuring that everyone has access to the most up-to-date information.
Additionally, the workshop emphasizes the elimination of manual tasks that often plague fieldwork. Participants will learn how to overcome the challenges of transcribing paper field notes, georeferencing photos, and transcribing GPS coordinates by leveraging the integrated solutions provided by QGIS and Mergin maps.
The workshop also places a strong emphasis on data accuracy, security, and efficient project management in field environments. Participants will gain insights into best practices for ensuring data integrity, implementing robust security measures, and streamlining project workflows to optimize efficiency.
By the end of this workshop, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to seamlessly integrate QGIS and Mergin maps, transforming their fieldwork processes and enhancing productivity.