We had just launched the Project NOAH and OpenStreetMap Mapping Initiative to map out critical facilities and communities in the Philippines as part of our efforts in enriching our risk datasets. We hope that with the information we can gather from OSM, we can create better visualization for disaster scenarios here in the Philippines. And after the social media blitz to promote the above-mentioned event, we had a “mini-mapathon” here at the office. Nevermind the extended hours here at the office.

After 28 frustrating days after I signed up, I finally figured out how can the online editor can be displayed properly on my web browser (darn language preferences!). Started editing datasets in my hometown and in Lucban, Quezon (where I studied in high school). Enjoyed the experience (more than 100 edits in just one seating, whew!). Still got to figure out mechanical edits though, as some earlier entries in my hometown have some errors. But I hope it will be easier compared to Google MapMaker wherein a novice mapper is clearly at the disadvantage and at the mercy of some “map-making trolls”.

I will commit myself to make edits everyday (yes, I’ll try to add this to my list of New Year’s resolutions). I think this wouldn’t be difficult as mapping really gives me a different kind of rush. I just hope that this somehow addicting activity won’t meddle much on fulfilling other equally important (but less enjoyable) resolutions too (read: jogging regularly, reading a journal article a day).

Special regards to Mr. Maning Sambale for his great work with OSM and for encouraging others to contribute more in the mapping community. I hope my orgmates at GSUP and UP GE Club would also be active in this endeavor. Let’s make the Philippines a country fun to map!