In the second semester of the academic year 2022-2023, we took a course, GmE 203 Principles of GIS, under Prof. Macapinlac and Prof. Ang from the Department of Geodetic Engineering at the University of the Philippines Diliman, and we found ourselves fascinated by the world of Geographic Information Systems. Through the end of the semester, we absorbed interesting things about GIS concepts and technologies. Yet, the pinnacle of our journey in this course was the capstone paper project, wherein we were tasked to bring together all that we had learned and apply it to a real-world scenario.

Fueled by determination and a passion for open-source technologies in the geospatial field, I, together with Honeylyn Carpio collectively decided to embark on a project of significant ecological relevance. Thus, the project “WEB VISUALIZATION AND SPATIAL ANALYSIS OF TREE SPECIES DISTRIBUTION AT UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES DILIMAN ACADEMIC OVAL” was conceptualized.

Our approach was comprehensive, ensuring that each step of the project adhered to open-source principles. From data collection to visualization, open-source technologies were at the forefront of our methodology. The very essence of the project was rooted in open-source collaboration and innovation. To begin, we utilized Pl@ntNet for plant identification, a crucial step in understanding the variety of tree species. For gathering location data of trees, Kobotoolbox proved instrumental. The data collected underwent thorough validation using JOSM. Next, leveraging QGIS, we conducted spatial analysis to comprehend the distribution of species. The heart of the project lay in the creation of an online map visualization representing the distribution of tree species around our targeted area. To achieve this, we employed uMap, a potent tool for crafting interactive maps. Finally, to showcase our hard work to the world, we utilized Google Sites (not open-source) to host all our data and map online. The result of our concerted efforts is a compelling testament to the boundless potential of open source technologies. Our project’s final output, accessible through bit.ly/updtrees, stands as a testament to the power and efficacy of open source tools. In conclusion, the realm of open source technologies offers a multitude of possibilities; all it requires is the right tool and a dash of creativity to turn a vision into reality. Through this project, we have not only grown in our understanding of GIS but also developed a deep appreciation for the collaborative, innovative spirit that open source embodies.

As a first timer in Albay, I didn’t know what to expect from the Pista ng Mapa and State of the Map Asia 2022. However, as an OpenStreetMap (OSM) enthusiast, attending this event in person was something that I had always looked forward to. The opportunity to network with fellow OSM enthusiasts not just locally but internationally, connect with fellow youth mappers leaders around the Philippines, and travel with my students made this event a great experience.

The opportunity for networking was one of the highlights of the gathering. I had the opportunity to interact and get to know OSM followers from around the globe. Finding out about their exploits and how they used OSM in the various nations they hailed from. It was beneficial for me to be able to discuss ideas and pick up new skills from them.

The opportunity for student attendees to network with other youthmappers from different areas of the Philippines was another important aspect of the event. Meeting other young people who shared enthusiasm for mapping and were in charge of their own mapping initiatives in their various towns was wonderful. We were able to share our challenges, successes, and life lessons in addition to learning from one another.

It was a great bonus that I could go to the event with my students. They had a wonderful experience learning about OSM’s advantages and possible uses for their research and enhancing their own local communities. They had the opportunity to participate in a variety of lectures, workshops, and other activities that advanced their understanding of OSM and its possible uses.

The event was great overall, and the activities offered fascinating insights into the OSM communities around the globe. I appreciate the chance to participate, and I hope to have more opportunities like this in the future.

Last March 4, 2023, the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines YouthMappers celebrated the Open Data Day 2023 with the theme “Empowering AI and Mapping with Open Data: A training-workshop on RapID”. We are very proud to have received a $500 grant from the Open Knowledge Foundation this year to organize Open Data Day 2023. With 40 participants, the training workshop was a tremendous success, and it was encouraging to see that more than half of the attendees were female.

Open Data Day is an annual celebration of open data all over the world. Groups from around the world create local events on the day where they will use open data in their communities. This year’s theme is “Open Data to AI”. With the theme “Open Data to AI” we aim to seek how open data is playing a critical role in the field of AI/ML and other emerging technologies.

1. What does the path from Open Data to AI look like?
2. How has aII been used or can be used to tackle world-pressing issues?
3. How can open data and AI illustrate the urgency in various subcategories like climate change, budget transparency, ownership, mapping, and many more?

We have invited Mikko Tamura, the Regional Community Manager of the Open Mapping Hub - Asia Pacific to talk about Mapping, Open Data and AI. Mikko Tamura virtually led the session while the lead organizers facilitated the training in-person. The goal of the training workshop was to give participants an understanding of the possibilities of open data in the context of AI. The Rapid Editor tool, a mapping tool developed by Meta, was the main focus of the workshop. The Rapid Editor tool’s ability to enable users to import and analyze data from various sources makes it especially helpful for working with open data.

The fact that there were more women than males among the participants is evidence of the growing interest among women in open data and AI. Because they are underrepresented in the tech sector, women can learn about cutting-edge innovations at occasions like Open Data Day.

In conclusion, this event was a great accomplishment for our organization. The training-workshop was timely and relevant that they can use it for their studies and research. We are looking forward to host more events like this in the future. Great thanks to Open Knowledge Foundation for this very rare opportunity.

On June 1, 2022, the Coalescing Organizations towards Locally Led Actions to Boost Development (COLLABDev) team headed by Sir Mark Aimon Pangan, conducted a field mapping workshop to the Youthmappers chapter of USTP - AGES using KoboCollect. The training started with an introduction to the training phase and overview of last year’s remote mapping training. QR Code was presented for sample demonstration. Youthmappers were to answer a sample survey form. After the introduction phase, students were gathered outside for the field mapping simulation. Different forms were tested for different facilities that were mapped and AGES - Youthmappers were able to experience how to navigate with the forms. The field mapping workshop was attended by 25 Youthmappers and almost 50% were identified as women. After the field data collection, data gathered from the sites were sent to the server and processed. The session was successful and students were able to collect data from the ground and send it to the server. The workshop concluded with the presentation of certificates to the participants. Sir Mark Aimon Pangan(left), the GIS Specialist of COLLABDev and Roberry Jann Ello(right), one of the Youthmappers Lead of USTP - AGES and a She Leads She Inspires Intern of Open Mapping Hub - Asia Pacific.

Action for Economic Reforms (AER) is a Philippine non-government organization engaged in research and advocacy. It conducts policy analysis and advocacy on macroeconomic reforms, universal health care, industrial policy, freedom of information, among others, and key issues of the day.

Coalescing Organizations towards Locally Led Actions to Boost Development (COLLABDev) is a partnership initiative of AER and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to promote human-centered, data-driven development in the Philippines. One of the main components of the COLLABDev project is to promote the development of existing open geospatial communities and data, especially in the 14 sites from the six provinces covered.

On October 8, 2021, the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) as one of the partner State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in Mindanao, signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to assist Local Government Units (LGUs) in the drive to use data to craft policies and to implement projects and programs of the COLLABDev Project.

The Association of Geodetic Engineering Students (AGES), the official student body of the Department of Geodetic Engineering and being the official YouthMappers Chapter of USTP, joined the training and mapathon on November 22-23, 2021 from 10:30AM-4:30AM (PHT) with 42 AGES YouthMapper volunteers who signed up for the session.

The training is said to be the first in-person training of the COLLABDev Team as prior trainings and mapathons were only held via Zoom Meetings. Due to the large number of participants and the provisions set by the Inter-Agency Task Force, the session was divided into two batches. The first batch of participants was joined by 23 AGES YouthMapper volunteers and 3 volunteers from the LGU and the second batch was joined by another set of 19 AGES YouthMapper volunteers.

The training was spearheaded by AER’s GIS Specialist Mark Aimon Pangan who introduced free and open source tools in field mapping and data collection (specifically Kobo Toolbox) in the morning session and the ID training and mapathon proper in the afternoon session.

DAY 1 (November 22, 2021)

Participants on this day were mostly YouthMappers freshmen students and were new to mapping with OpenStreetMap. They were able to map on their own and with the help of the facilitators, all their concerns were raised and answered.

Among the participants were also from the LGU. Three volunteers from the The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) were also taught how to map. The picture below shows Sir Aimon, the 3 LGU volunteers together with Dr. Fajardo, the Extension Services Director of USTP and Engr. Mabulay, the Research and Innovations Director of USTP.

The first day of training and mapathon was indeed a success as everyone was able to map at least one tile.

DAY 2 (November 23, 2021)

Just like day one, day two started with an introductory session and field mapping with data collection via Kobo Toolbox. All the participants in the session were sophomore YouthMapper volunteers and most of them don’t have experience in mapping and using free and open source tools (i.e. Kobo Toolbox).

There was also a training session on using ID for editing in OpenStreetMap prior to the Mapathon session in the afternoon.

Claydel Nalugon, the AGES YouthMappers Commissioner, helped in facilitating the mapathon.

Overall, the training and mapathon was a success and we would like to thank the COLLABDev Team and Sir Aimon for training the volunteers. We are looking forward to the mapathons next month and also the field mapping in January hopefully.

You can help us map out Cagayan de Oro by going to our project task at HOT Tasking Manager.