In the world today we find ourselves at a crossroads where an infinite array of paths exist. These paths are the choices we make and the consequences that will follow in their wake. This sentiment has always been the case for as long as humans have existed; however, more than ever in all of history, we do actually find ourselves at a point where our choices potentially have a greater impact due to a wonderful convenience that comes with this modern era. I am largely speaking about our access to technology (as well as the technology itself). I'd like to talk about a project known as "Missing Maps."
Missing Maps hopes to put third world communities on the radar by making a detailed map of places where there currently are none. This is to help NGO's among other organizations to one day be able to use these maps as a tool for whatever endeavors they seek. A primary endeavor is first response towards natural disasters. As when you know where the people are within a community, then you also know where help is needed the most. This project was founded by Doctors Without Borders, Red Cross, and the Humanitarian Open-street-map Team. Here's a snippet from their website below explaining their cause further...
"Each year, disasters around the world kill nearly 100,000 and affect or displace 200 million people. Many of the places where these disasters occur are literally 'missing' from any map and first responders lack the information to make valuable decisions regarding relief efforts. Missing Maps is an open, collaborative project in which you can help to map areas where humanitarian organisations are trying to meet the needs of vulnerable people."
By now, you may be asking yourself, "How are they planning to do all of this?" Well, with your help of course! Or at least with the help of thousands of volunteers all around the world as the scope of this project is simply stupendous. How you can help is by downloading their app, "MapSwipe" and then participating thereafter on their app. Here's the app logo below with links to the app itself as well.
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.missingmaps.mapswipe&hl=en_US
iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/mapswipe/id1133855392
On the app, the work that you do is quite simple. All you have to do is tap on squares wherever you see a building (and sometimes roads if asked) --> Tap once to turn those squares green if you see a building, tap twice to make them yellow if you're not sure if it is or not, and then three times to make them red to indicate a bad satellite picture (mainly due to clouds in the way). You only have to tap on those categories as if its just forestland, then you can leave that untapped. The screen is broken up into 6 squares where you swipe left to go onto the next set of pictures to be deciphered.
This project is broken up into 3 sectors, which build upon one another. The first is volunteers like us who do the aforementioned. This helps the second group of volunteers on the ground that will name these roads and buildings with their knowledge of their local areas. Finally going to the third group which will be the organizations using these maps once they're done.
I believe this work is part of creating a better tomorrow, which all of us are able to contribute to every single day. So, what are you waiting for?
Missing Maps hopes to put third world communities on the radar by making a detailed map of places where there currently are none. This is to help NGO's among other organizations to one day be able to use these maps as a tool for whatever endeavors they seek. A primary endeavor is first response towards natural disasters. As when you know where the people are within a community, then you also know where help is needed the most. This project was founded by Doctors Without Borders, Red Cross, and the Humanitarian Open-street-map Team. Here's a snippet from their website below explaining their cause further...
"Each year, disasters around the world kill nearly 100,000 and affect or displace 200 million people. Many of the places where these disasters occur are literally 'missing' from any map and first responders lack the information to make valuable decisions regarding relief efforts. Missing Maps is an open, collaborative project in which you can help to map areas where humanitarian organisations are trying to meet the needs of vulnerable people."
By now, you may be asking yourself, "How are they planning to do all of this?" Well, with your help of course! Or at least with the help of thousands of volunteers all around the world as the scope of this project is simply stupendous. How you can help is by downloading their app, "MapSwipe" and then participating thereafter on their app. Here's the app logo below with links to the app itself as well.
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.missingmaps.mapswipe&hl=en_US
iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/mapswipe/id1133855392
On the app, the work that you do is quite simple. All you have to do is tap on squares wherever you see a building (and sometimes roads if asked) --> Tap once to turn those squares green if you see a building, tap twice to make them yellow if you're not sure if it is or not, and then three times to make them red to indicate a bad satellite picture (mainly due to clouds in the way). You only have to tap on those categories as if its just forestland, then you can leave that untapped. The screen is broken up into 6 squares where you swipe left to go onto the next set of pictures to be deciphered.
This project is broken up into 3 sectors, which build upon one another. The first is volunteers like us who do the aforementioned. This helps the second group of volunteers on the ground that will name these roads and buildings with their knowledge of their local areas. Finally going to the third group which will be the organizations using these maps once they're done.
I believe this work is part of creating a better tomorrow, which all of us are able to contribute to every single day. So, what are you waiting for?
With a simple tap, you can put a community on the map!
Thank you for your time,
with lots of love from Brian
Thank you for your time,
with lots of love from Brian