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UID:pretalx-sotm-africa-2023-APH7SJ@pretalx.com
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DESCRIPTION:Open mapping is a concept defined as “a global movement to cr
 eate free and open geographic data” that is centered around OpenStreetMa
 p (OSM - https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Main_Page) project. The conce
 pt had become more relatable and useful in the early and mid-2010s in Afri
 ca and elsewhere in the world. With the largest proof-of-concept open mapp
 ing initiatives such as the Ramani Huria (https://ramanihuria.org/) in Tan
 zania\, it has helped transform how governments and citizens work together
  by allowing them to co-create and support critical government functions w
 ith geographic maps and data. The availability of open data and maps has n
 ot only helped the government\, community at large\, and public and privat
 e sectors to co-create solutions but also transform the way decisions are 
 made through informed procedures to solve local community’s problems and
  create sustainable impacts through community engagement.\n\nOpen mapping 
 communities have continued to grow ever since across Africa\, some example
 s being local OSM communities and chapters\, chapters in universities acro
 ss the African continent through YouthMappers network (https://www.youthma
 ppers.org/)\, local and international open mapping groups (both non-profit
  organizations and for-profit companies)\, etc. While it is important to t
 hink about the sustainability of these communities in terms of their futur
 e existence and the intended impacts\, there are a number of outstanding c
 hallenges that limit their ability to reach their full potential. While th
 e intended impacts can be subsidized and supported through collaborations 
 with African governments as well as local and international partners\, the
  future existence of these communities is uncertain due to several reasons
  such as challenges in the formality of how these teams are composed and o
 rganized\, accessing funds to support their designed programs\, and techni
 cal and management expertise.\n\nThis panel session aims at highlighting a
 nd discussing the challenges\, opportunities\, and learning from vividly a
 nd relatively successful African open mapping communities that are working
  to bring positive impact and success to their localities and enhance loca
 l development. The overall purpose of this panel discussion will be to pro
 vide an opportunity for participants of SotM Africa 2023 to hear knowledge
 able selected experts discuss issues and opportunities around building ope
 n mapping communities\, working with African governments and partners\, an
 d discussing their personal views and experiences. The panel discussion wi
 ll help the audience further clarify and evaluate their positions and unde
 rstanding regarding the topic discussed and increase their understanding o
 f the positions of others.\n\nThe panel will be led by Innocent Maholi fro
 m OpenMap Development Tanzania (OMDTZ - http://omdtz.or.tz/) and will be c
 omposed of about 4 - 6 experienced and knowledgeable experts on the topic 
 with a well-balanced gender ratio\, a good representation of all parts of 
 Africa to diversify context\, etc.
DTSTAMP:20260312T143513Z
LOCATION:Room 2
SUMMARY:Building Sustainable Open Mapping Communities across Africa - Innoc
 ent Maholi
URL:https://pretalx.com/sotm-africa-2023/talk/APH7SJ/
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