Flood events caused serious harm in wide areas of Japan and Sri Lanka over the last couple of weeks. Heavy rain, floods and landslides occured in South West area of Japan and monsoon rains have caused severe flooding in the Kurunagala and Puttalam districts of Sri Lanka.
The Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (HOT) has received requests from the Japan Red Cross Society as well as from the Disaster Management Centre of Sri Lanka to trace buildings in the inundated areas.
disastermappers heidelberg and HeiGIT/GIScience Research Group invite you to our end of semester Mapathon to support HOT in these efforts! In contrast to previous events, this time you will not only learn about OpenStreetMap (OSM) and how to contribute, but also get familiar with OSM data validation.
Why? Map data creation is crucial in disaster scenarios and the contributed data can help first responders and the local community to coordinate efforts. The value of OSM data furthermore increases when it is reviewed and lessons learned are ultimately applied. Accurate maps can then help to enable confident use of the data.
Russ Deffner, HOT Associate Project Manager and Activation Working Group, will also be joining use via Skype and provide insights about the projects and the use of the data on the ground.
When? Thursday 19.07.2018, 6 pm
Where? Großer Hörsaal, Geographisches Institut, Berliner Straße 48
As usual, we will provide an introduction to OSM mapping, therefore there is no previous knowledge needed. Additionally, an introduction into validation of OSM data in the Tasking Manager is offered.
We also reserved the PC Pools, however due to limited availability, bring your own laptop and mouse if available.
Snacks and drinks will for sure be provided!
To round up the Mapathon and enable further get together and exchange, we will moreover fire up the BBQ! Therefore, make sure to bring your ribs or veggies.
We are looking forward to seeing you on Thursday,
your disastermappers