State of the Map Asia (SotM-Asia) is the annual regional conference of OpenStreetMap (OSM) organized by OSM communities in Asia. First SotM-Asia was organized in Jakarta, Indonesia in 2015, and the second was organized in Manila, Philippines in 2016. This year’s conference, third in the series, was organized in Kathmandu, Nepal on September 23 – 24, 2017 at Park Village Resort, Budhanilkantha, Kathmandu, Nepal. We brought nearly 200 Open Mapping enthusiasts from Asia and beyond to this year’s SotM-Asia. The event provided an opportunity to share knowledge and experience among mappers; expand their network; and generate ideas to expand map coverage and effective use of OSM data in Asian continent. We chose ‘from creation to use of OSM data’ as the theme of this year’s conference, emphasizing on the effective use of OSM data. We also brought together a government panel from four different countries in this year’s SotM-Asia. We believe this event will deepen the bond and enhance collaboration among OSM communities across Asia. More information about the conference can be found on: http://stateofthemap.asia.

1. MAPTIVISM
Mapping as Activism
Pradip Khatiwada, Nama Budhathoki
Kathmandu Living Labs

2. MAP IS THE MIRROR OF SOCIETY
• Digital maps allow easy ways
to present large amounts of
data and reduce complexity
Map
• Government can plan developmental
activities as per need
Government
• Civil society can demand for
evidence based developmental
activities.
Civil Society

3. “Transnational non-governmental organizations (TNGOs) in general, and advocacy groups in particular,
have gained considerable visibility and influence in global affairs. Since its creation in 1961,
Amnesty International has become an authority on
human rights issues around the world. Oxfam,
Greenpeace, and Doctors Without Borders have gained a
similar status on global issues related to development, the environment, and
humanitarian relief, respectively. As these organizations have become significant players in global affairs,
scholars across a variety of academic fields have begun to analyze the power of transnational advocacy
organizations and their networks.” (Keck and Sikkink, 1998).

4. “It is estimated as much as 80% of data contains
geo-referenced information. So, a lot of
information can be displayed through maps.”.
(Franklin, 1992)

8. The article was published in the Himalayan Times

9. Framework for Digital Volunteers. (adopted from Budhathoki, 2010)

10. THANK YOU. J
“Mapping alone or activism alone will
not be enough, it’s time for MAPTIVISM”.