OpenStreetMap (OSM) is well-known as a collaborative mapping tool and a clear illustration of citizen science and crowd-sourced geographic data. It exists through a decentralized platform. Since its inception in 2004, it has been open to all individuals around the world enabling all to contribute towards the production, editing, and distribution of geospatial data. The OSM community has been rigorous in terms of technical issues such as data quality and accuracy. However, little has been done on the organizational; political; and cultural issues impacting data production within the OpenStreetMap community. It has been revealed that the types of features mapped, and the extent of the mapping are greatly influenced by local cultures; customs; and knowledge systems (Haklay, 2010). The means of interaction and use of geospatial data are affected by the way they interpret the world geographically and culturally (Elwood & Leszczynski, 2018). Having a clear idea of these cultural impacts can be instrumental to understand the variety of viewpoints and potential inequalities that may arise in the OSM database. The OSM community is not immune to political implications and power dynamism despite its open participatory nature. Due to its highly inclusive nature, it is open to debates and differences associated with data representation and territorial restrictions (Mooney & Corcoran, 2013). Flexibility in power dynamics within the community can alter decision-making and procedures thus affecting the inclusion or exclusion made by specific groups and regions (Girres & Touya, 2010). The effectiveness of the OSM community has been linked to the organizational setup and governance procedures as well as its crowd-sourced mapping initiative. The community manages volunteer contributions through online platforms and social networks (Budhathoki & Haythornthwaite, 2013). OpenStreetMap has emerged as a leading example of crowd-sourced mapping. Understanding the cultural; political; and organizational factors that influence data generation and usage habits within the OSM community is lacking. This research proposal seeks to fill the knowledge gap and explore the following issues that will tend to broaden our understanding of the cultural; political; and organizational aspects that serve as impediments to data generation and consumption patterns within the OSM community. Thus making it difficult to appreciate a variety of viewpoints; power relationships; and the governance structure within the OSM community. The objectives of this research are as follows: To examine the cultural factors that influence data production and usage practices in OpenStreetMap; to analyze the political implications and power dynamics within the OpenStreetMap community regarding data creation and usage; and to explore the organizational structures, processes, and governance mechanisms that shape data production and usage in OpenStreetmap. In that regard, the research will be guided by the following questions:
• What are the cultural factors that influence data production and usage practices in OSM?
• What are the political factors that influence data production and usage practices in OSM?
• What are the organizational factors that influence data production and usage practices in OSM?
The proposed research would use a mixed-methods approach to thoroughly carry out the project’s objectives. This will require qualitative and quantitative techniques. Qualitative techniques will involve: Focus group discussions and interviewing; examining online forums and discussions; and case studies. Quantitative technique on the other hand will involve: OSM database analysis; and examining social networks. During the data collection process, informed consent will be sought from all participants before data collection commenced. Qualitative data obtained from interviews, focus group discussions, and online discussions will be analyzed through thematic analysis. Quantitative data obtained from the analysis of the OSM database and social network analysis will be statistically analyzed. With the application of the mixed method, the research aims to provide a comprehensive insight into the cultural; political; and organizational dynamics of data production and usage practices in OpenStreetMap. The research will be significant because of the following reasons: Increasing grasp of Open mapping initiatives, assuring the accuracy and quality of the data, dealing with poor dynamics and inclusivity, developing best practices; guidelines; and policies for data generation; usage; and governance in crowd-source mapping projects, promoting participatory mapping and citizen science. The research as a whole will be beneficial to the crowd-sourced mapping community, academia, policymakers, and practitioners. It will also give an insight into the social dynamics, problems, and opportunities related to open mapping projects which will ultimately aid the creation of more inclusive, trustworthy, and useful spatial data sources. When the research would have concluded its outcomes will add a thorough understanding of the organizational, political, and cultural processes involved in the creation and use of data in OSM. These findings can be integral to facilitating the establishment of best practices and guidelines for improving data quality, inclusivity, and other related components to the crowd-sourced mapping activity. The results from this research may facilitate collaborative mapping initiatives and add to the large convention on citizen science, crowd-sourced geospatial data, and participative decision-making in the digital age. It will add a body of knowledge and also serve as a benchmark for further research-related topics.