There are multiple ways to download OpenStreetMap (OSM) data, this talk delves into the realm of OSM plugins for QGIS, empowering participants to leverage this valuable free and open source geospatial data in their projects. We'll explore core plugins like QuickMapServices and QuickOSM, guiding participants through the process of adding basemaps and downloading specific features using Overpass API queries. In addition, we'll discover the functionalities of third-party plugins like OSMDownloader, which enable users to download data by area or with custom queries.
We will look at some use cases within the humanitarian sector where OSM plugins can be used to download data for disaster response, mapping vulnerable communities, and monitoring refugee camps. We will also look at some use cases for climate change actions where these plugins can be used to download forest cover for mapping and monitoring deforestation by tracking changes over time, assessing climate risk by downloading data e.g. elevation, land cover, proximity to water body which can be used to assess vulnerability to the impact of climate change such as floods, Sea level rise etc.
This talk will be beneficial to both novice and advanced QGIS users, it will equip participants with the tools to harness the potential of open source data using free and open source software in their geospatial workflows.