Michael Montani

The United Nations Global Service Center (UNGSC) is developing Virtual Reality applications utilizing OpenStreetMap data. Through a Virtual Reality (VR) pilot project, UNGSC aims to provide UN peacekeepers on the field with 3D digital replicas of the cities in which they are operating, building a sandbox that enhances operational planning with simulations. In order to develop such applications, OpenStreetMap buildings are collaboratively edited, validated and ingested. Field mapping and street-level imagery are also extremely important to add details to the rendered buildings. There could be the possibility to organise a live demo through VR headset.

The United Nations Global Service Center (UNGSC) is developing Virtual Reality (VR) applications utilizing OpenStreetMap data. Through the Virtual Operation Center (VOC) pilot project, UNGSC aims to provide UN peacekeepers on the field with 3D digital replicas of the cities in which they are operating, building a sandbox that enhances operational planning with simulations. Under the umbrella of the UN Mappers community, the areas of interest get mapped by means of Tasking Manager projects. Differently from other building mapping campaigns, those are different, as higher quality of the footprints is needed, as well as better placement at the ground floor level and understanding of tall buildings. Furthermore mapping can be complemented with field mapping with street-level imagery as well as smartphone applications, in order to add details on the buildings characteristics as height, levels, roof shape, color and material. After validation of all the edited data, the buildings are ingested into Virtual Reality software development tools as ArcGIS CityEngine and Unity to develop the sandbox application accessible through VR headset. Buildings get eventually rendered utilizing OSM tags which define the 3D model of each object. The activity has been already tested and developed in Mogadishu, Somalia, and Tripoli, Libya, where the mapping took place engaging with the local communities (OSM Somalia and OSM Libya). At the end of the talk, there could be the possibility to organise a live demo through VR headset.

OpenStreetMap is a huge repository of geographic information – but how accessible is it? This panel aims at enlighting existing educational activities and platforms around OpenStreetMap topics, including editing, data usage and community governance, with the goal of exploring how new users and data consumers can approach OpenStreetMap in an easier way, and eventually widespread its adoption. During the panel we will discuss and share educational practices, experiences and tools and challenges.

During the panel, we will discuss existing educational activities and platforms around OpenStreetMap topics, including editing, data usage and community governance. When first approaching OpenStreetMap, learning tools and activities may prove to be highly beneficial for new volunteers in several aspects as well as for expert mappers to improve their knowledge. Education around editing may lead to higher quality of data both during collaborative events or, in general, over all the mapper’s lifetime. Mappers may have knowledge on OSM editing and complete lack of understanding on how the data can be used for software or cartographic applications. On the other hand, many data consumers may not know editing practices and how the tagging schema is refined and discussed in the OSM community. Understanding how the OSM community is interacting and governing the project, including exposure to the guidelines related to good editing practices, organised editing, imports and licensing, may have companies and professionals better understand how to behave in this environment. The goal of this discussion is to enlist and explore all the tools and activities that organizations and communities are developing around education on OSM, with particular focus on the audience covered by those as well as the languages this material is offered through.