11-21, 09:30–09:55 (Pacific/Auckland), WG126
From aerial imagery, to digitization, field mapping and data use, we're building an integrated tech suite for humanitarian open mapping
How do we move from having no maps to using them effectively? We're building a set of open mapping tools for humanitarian use, developed with the help of communities around the world, drawing on shared experiences in disaster response, humanitarian relief, and community development.
Imagine taking a simple drone and quickly generating your own aerial imagery, then publishing it on an open repository. You can use this imagery for mapping, even creating your own AI models if you like. Then, go to the field and enrich your data with local knowledge, leveraging super-accessible citizen mapping tools for assistance. Combine all your data on a single map.
HOT tools are already being used in a wide range of situations, not only in disaster response, but also in local business development, environmental projects, and innovative applications as communities adapt and make these tools their own.
Let's explore how we’re building this free and open mapping suite together, by people, for people.
I have 20+ years of experience working on software design & development. I'm currently serving as Software Engineering Manager @ Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (HOT)
I worked for the e-commerce, logistics, health care, marketing, geospatial, AI and humanitarian sectors. I also created and implemented free and open source software.
I'm a volunteer firefighter in a rural town in Argentina, where I work mostly on wildfires, forest protection, wildland rescue and mapping.
Leen is the Director of Technology and Data at the Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (HOT). Her drive: Connecting people through mapping for Social Good.
The HOT Technology team she leads co-creates open-source tools that empower communities to collaboratively create and use geospatial data for Good.
By democratizing access to this technology, the team enables communities to govern and protect their own data, use it to address local challenges, and actively participate in decision-making processes.
With over 15 years of experience in the geospatial industry across both public and private sectors, Leen has worked in diverse environments — from tackling development challenges in low-resource settings in Tanzania (Enabel) and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (WPF) to contributing to corporate geospatial business in Belgium (Capgemini) and Thailand (TomTom).
Leen joined HOT's Technology Team in 2022, and has been leading it for the past three years, fostering innovation, collaboration, and community-driven impact.