2026-09-02 –, Conference Management Room1
Open drone technology and collaborative platforms improve geospatial data collection, disaster response, and sustainable development. Tools like Drone Tasking Manager, OpenDroneMap, and OpenStreetMap enable coordinated drone missions, efficient image processing, and open data sharing, supporting mapping, environmental monitoring, agriculture, and urban planning.
Abstract
The use of open drone technology and collaborative mapping platforms has significantly improved the collection and use of geospatial data in areas such as disaster response, environmental monitoring, agriculture, and urban planning. Open drones provide a fast and cost-effective way to capture high-resolution aerial imagery compared to traditional land surveying methods. They are particularly useful for mapping remote or difficult-to-access locations, allowing communities, researchers, and organizations to obtain accurate spatial information that supports planning and development.
A key platform that supports coordinated drone mapping is the Drone Tasking Manager. This platform organizes drone missions by dividing large mapping areas into smaller sections that can be assigned to different drone pilots. This structured approach helps teams work more efficiently while avoiding duplication of flight coverage. It also allows project managers to track progress and review completed tasks to ensure that collected imagery meets the required standards. As a result, mapping projects become more organized, faster, and more reliable, especially when several drone pilots are involved.
As one of the drone pilots participating in these mapping activities, I have personally experienced the benefits of coordinated platforms like the Drone Tasking Manager. During field operations, drone pilots capture aerial imagery that contributes to the production of accurate maps and geospatial datasets. This experience not only strengthens drone operation and aerial surveying skills but also highlights the importance of teamwork in large-scale mapping projects.
Open drone technology is commonly integrated with open-source software such as OpenDroneMap, which processes drone images into useful geospatial products like orthophotos and digital surface models. These outputs can then be shared through platforms such as OpenStreetMap, making the data accessible to governments, humanitarian organizations, and communities.
Overall, the integration of open drones with collaborative mapping platforms improves the efficiency of data collection, promotes open data sharing, and supports disaster management, environmental monitoring, and sustainable development.
Official documentation and tutorials for OpenDroneMap — includes user guides, installation steps, and example workflows for processing drone imagery into maps, models, and terrain data.
https://docs.opendronemap.org/tutorials/
Getting‑started and help pages for WebODM — provides step‑by‑step instructions, installation guidance, and common use cases for processing aerial imagery. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwktd57drnI
“OpenDroneMap: The Missing Guide” — a practical guide to drone mapping using open‑source tools. https://odmbook.com/
OpenAerialMap — browse and access openly licensed aerial imagery useful for reference or incorporating into larger mapping workflows. https://openaerialmap.org/
Beginner and contributor resources for OpenStreetMap — explains how to use and contribute to the global open map database, including background, editing, and community guides.
wiki.openstreetmap.org
Drone Tasking Manager – used for coordinating drone mapping missions and assigning tasks to multiple drone pilots.
OpenDroneMap – used to process drone imagery into orthophotos, digital surface models, and other geospatial products.
OpenAerialMap – used for storing and sharing openly licensed drone imagery.
WebODM – used to manage and process drone imagery through a web-based platform.
OpenStreetMap – used for integrating and sharing mapped geospatial data with the global community.
Sia Moadeh Kamanda, a Rural Geographer with a Master’s degree, advocates for sustainable rural development and women’s empowerment in Sierra Leone. She contributes to OpenStreetMap and open drone mapping projects, using geospatial technologies to support planning, disaster response, and community resilience, while promoting inclusive participation of women in geography, technology, and leadership.
Gibril Ahmed Lansana is a Geologist, and an Environmental Engineer with keen interest in GIS and open data initiatives. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology, a Master of Science degree in Environmental Management and Quality Control, and a Master of Engineering in Environmental Engineering. He is a founding member of OpenStreetMap Sierra Leone community. He has participated in various mapping initiatives in Sierra Leone. Such as: Power grid Mapping, Freetown CBD Regeneration Project, Waterloo Open Drone Mapping, etc. He continues to impact the open mapping community in Sierra Leone by providing trainings and mentorship for community members.