Recent Updates

The HDM JOSM Style by HOT

Posted by will on Jun, 14 2013

One of the unique features of OpenStreetMap is the license to use customise and visualize the data as maps, charts, and more. However this is sometimes easier said than done.

Humanitarian Data Model - REDUX

Posted by brian on Jun, 6 2013

Humanitarian work is often developed quickly and in response to an urgent need. This was how the OSM community worked together in response to the Haiti earthquake in 2010. During this time of rapid response, the Humanitarian Data Model (HDM) was invented as a way to set OSM tagging norms for this very unique mapping need that required immediate community cohesion. It was an attempt to combine the flexible OSM structure with the rigid GIS data structures used by large NGOs and multilateral development organizations. [inline:935388_10200715461123330_559203776_n.jpg]

OpenStreetMap Bangladesh Edition

Posted by alyssa on May, 31 2013

Written with Andrew Salzberg The recent horrific factory collapse in Dhaka, Bangladesh drew renewed attention to the link between global garment industry brands and the working conditions of garment factory employees at the far end of the supply chain.

Using motorcycles to survey in Haiti

Posted by brian on May, 28 2013

Hey All, As part of the CAP103 project, financed by USAID, being run in the North of Haiti right now we have started coordinating motorcycles for survey purposes. [inline:IMG_2619.JPG] The purpose of using the motos is two-fold: 1. To be able to transport teams of OSM surveyors to remote locations it would otherwise be difficult to reach. 2. To be able to collect a solid network of GPS traces for the area's major and minor ways. Once collected, they can be used as a resource for setting offsets and positions for any aerial imageries.

European Commission Joint Research Center and OpenStreetMap

Posted by sev_hotosm on May, 26 2013

Late March, just coming back from Burundi, I have been invited by Guido Lemoine from the Institute for the Protection and Security of the Citizen – IPSC, Geospatial EMergency Management Action – GEMMA, that is part of the Joint Research Center (the European Commission’s in-house science service). The aim was to organize a one day workshop about HOT and OSM data in crisis contexts, as well as to have specific discussions with some groups or team within this huge research center located in Ispra, Italy.

Crossing Boundaries by Tracing Buildings: Mapping Kathmandu from New York City"

Posted by alyssa on May, 11 2013

Throughout the day you could hear the simple question - 'Is that a building?' -- followed by conversations about shadows, and people, and the construction of a city that seemed so far away from our own.

Comprehensive Report on Mali Activation

Posted by mikel on Apr, 29 2013

Early this year, HOT was activated in Mali. Pierre Beland took the lead on this activation, and produced for OCHA this excellent report. Recommended reading, for the comprehensive qualitative and quantitative look at this creative and awesome collaboration. I'd personally love to see this level of...

State Department Launches Imagery to the Crowd

Posted by mikel on Apr, 25 2013

The State Department Humanitarian Information Unit has launched Imagery to the Crowd! [inline:Screen-Shot-2013-04-24-at-2.24.34-PM.png] This is important formal recognition of the partnership we've built over the past couple years. The premise is simple enough. HOT needs current aerial imagery to create up to date maps following a disaster event. The US government acquires that kind of imagery from commercial providers. Sharing the imagery with the OSM community means better maps for responders.

Hottie Humberto Yances presents the La Boquilla Project

Posted by mikel on Apr, 24 2013

Humberto Yances has written up his wonderful OSM community work in La Boquilla, and HOT wants to share great work by HOT members (note, this is not a formal HOT project). From an idea, to engagement, to mapping, to distribution, to use, La Boquilla clearly demonstrates what can happen with an open, networked, community based approach. [inline:equipo.jpg] From these evocative beginnings ...

Activation HOT en République centrafricaine

Posted by sev_hotosm on Apr, 10 2013

Bangui, la capitale de la République Centrafricaine, a été prise le 24 mars par les rebelles de la Séléka, trois mois après leur arrivée depuis les contrées septentrionales du pays. Dans la mesure où la situation dans la capitale est devenue assez tragique, comme elle l’était déjà depuis quelques temps pour de nombreuses autres villes et villages, il est temps maintenant de démarrer une Activation HOT officielle afin de répondre à cette crise. Dans les lignes qui suivent, je fais un rapide aperçu d’OSM dans le pays et des besoins à combler. Un peu de contexte OSM en RCA avec EUROSHA