The challenges of open mapping in global communities are daunting, but the opportunities provided by innovative Free and Open technology are tremendous. Open mapping relies upon imagery, digitization tools, field mapping tools, and various technologies to display, share, and use the data.

Many of the technologies for mapping have, in the past, failed to empower local communities. Satellite data is often old, cloudy, and low-resolution outside of wealthy countries. Drones seem expensive and require extensive training and licensing to operate. AI tools seem to be the province of large corporations with huge engineering and computing resources. Field mapping is difficult to coordinate at scale.

We have been working on many of these challenges. In this overview session, we’ll discuss current and future tools designed and built for communities to take the lead in open mapping; platforms to use inexpensive drones and GNSS receivers for high-quality imagery, community-based, local AI tools, and better coordination for mobile-based field mapping tools.

** This was previously scheduled to be a series of two in-person, hands on sessions / workshops but due to unfortunate visa issues, our presenter, Ivan Gayton, can no longer be physically at the conference, so will run a shorter session virtually.