Shape my future with OSM Mapping and Youthmappers: Post Graduation Blog

A few months after my graduation, I find myself questioning how prepared I am to face the real world. Will the knowledge I acquired in school, particularly regarding organizational management, truly benefit me? Or could OSM mapping play a pivotal role in shaping my career path?

But how exactly do OSM mapping and YouthMappers influence career decisions?

Through mapping activities, I've gained critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaborative skills—qualities highly sought after in today's job market. Little did I anticipate that within these communities, I would uncover aspects of myself previously concealed. Leadership, once abstract, found a nurturing environment within the supportive ecosystem of YouthMappers. It was here that I discovered my capacity to lead, inspire, and effect change.

YouthMappers became my haven for personal development more than merely a platform. With every mapping project, my confidence increased. Although it was scary at first, public speaking became a skill I developed whenever I got the chance. Our community's response to our influence extended well beyond the boundaries of our maps, creating a lasting impression on people's emotions.

These days, certificates appear on my résumé as credentials as well as proof of my experience. They talk about the hours spent creating, learning, and working together. With the support of mentors and the friendship of other mappers, I learned things that went beyond what was found in textbooks.

Today, I stand not just as a graduate, but as a leader forged in the crucible of YouthMappers. I have the privilege to educate others on utilizing OSM mapping for change. Once reticent, my voice now brims with the fervor of someone who has experienced the potency of unity in action.

Yet it's within YouthMappers that I found my true community—a family united by a shared vision of leveraging mapping for societal good. It's here that I witnessed the transformative power of collective action and the boundless potential of collaborative mapping.

I'll forever be proud and grateful to be a member of the OSM Foundation and part of the expanding community of mappers, the YouthMappers. Thank you for affording me the chance to sculpt my future and leave a mark on the world through collaborative mapping. With pride in my heart and gratitude in my soul, I eagerly anticipate continuing this journey alongside you, charting the course toward a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

Hey there, fellow changemakers! Today, we're diving into an incredible story of young minds driving change in their community. It's all about the Southern Leyte State U (SLSU) Youthmappers and their journey into the world of community mapping. Grab a seat, and let's get inspired!

A Spark of Transformation

A group of students at SLSU, fueled by a burning desire to make a difference, decided to roll up their sleeves and take action. They had a secret weapon – geographic information systems (GIS) and mapping skills. These students saw that they could use these skills to bring about real change in their community. They knew technology was a game-changer, and they are ready to harness its power. With the use of their laptops and with the power of OpenStreetMap, they set a whole lot of enthusiasm to map their community.

OpenStreetMap, the collaborative mapping platform, became their canvas. With each keystroke and click, they breathed life into their vision of a better community. Every road, building, and significant location underwent thorough mapping, converting raw data into a potent instrument for community advancement. But here's the thing – these students weren't just making pretty maps. They were mapping for change. One of their first projects was tackling the issue of flooding around the area of Sogod, Southern Leyte. They ventured into their community, mapping out areas prone to floods. Why? So they could help local authorities better prepare and respond to disasters.

The SLSU Youthmappers understood that they couldn't do it alone. They knew that sharing knowledge was key to creating lasting change. So, they started hosting workshops and training sessions on Openstreetmap and QGIS and one of the training that they conducted is the Training - workshop on geospatial technology and open mapping for climate - resilience governance: empowering SK leader's for effective community action. The goal of this training and workshop is to provide flood risk maps to possible affected barangays and examine possible actions that can be taken to lessen the risk of hazards to the affected areas. They also taught others how to use mapping tools and encouraged their fellow students, faculties, and community members to take the reins. They weren't just building maps; they were building a community of mappers!

Through countless hours of work and the collaborative spirit that defines the youth, they compiled a comprehensive map that not only showcased geographic features but also community resources, potential hazards, and areas for improvement. This map was more than lines and symbols; it was a blueprint for change.

The SLSU Youthmappers demonstrated that youth can be architects of transformation. They proved that with determination, technology, and the right tools, they can create a brighter future for their community. Their story is a testament to the power of youth-driven initiatives. It's an inspiration for other young individuals and communities worldwide, showing that when passion meets purpose, incredible things happen.

As we reflect on the journey of the SLSU Youthmappers, let us remember that the spark of transformation can ignite from the most unexpected places. In the hearts of young individuals, armed with the tools of technology and driven by a shared purpose, lies the potential for lasting change.

Leadership should be shared among people who together have the attributes and skills necessary to facilitate the completion of the task to be initiated. It is the art of motivating a group of people to act toward achieving a common objective. Pista ng Mapa and State of the Maps Asia International Conference 2022 highlighted the importance of using open mapping, open data, and open source in today’s advancement of technology. As stated by the founder and CEO of Thinking Machines, Ms. Stephanie Sy, “Open data unlocks new insights, especially when people can add in more data.” Mapping makes a significant contribution, particularly in emergency response and identifying safe places, mapping sidewalks to make the world a more walkable place. Dr. Nama Raj Budhathoki of Open Mapping Hub-Asia Pacific shares his thoughts on how important mapping is. He stated, “Mapping is vital to measure, monitor, and make decisions in addressing all these challenges (i.e., climate change, governance) because we need to know what is happening and where it is happening.” I was fascinated by the work of Mr. John Louie Fabila in creating 3D animated maps to promote better engagements. It was a great pleasure to participate in such events and be able to meet friends and mentors, not only from the Philippines but also from different countries around Asia, who shared their knowledge and expertise on mapping. This 5-day conference makes me realize things and discover what I want to do after taking a degree. I learned a lot from all the speakers and mentors who shared their knowledge, passion, and love for mapping. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the lead organizers of the event, Mr. Ben Hur Pintor, Ms. Leigh Lunas, Mr. Ron Francisco, Ms. Feye Andal, and Mr. RK Aranas, for choosing me as one of their grantees to be able to participate in this big event. I was overwhelmed by the knowledge I gained, and I hope that this knowledge not only stays with me but is shared with everyone who wants to learn and appreciate the beauty of mapping.