11-05, 14:30–15:00 (America/New_York), Lake Thoreau
Explore how the YouthMappers network empowers students worldwide through open geospatial tools, the new open-source YouthMappers Academy, and a hands-on introduction to 3D mapping workflows using OpenStreetMap, JOSM, Field Papers, and Cesium.
YouthMappers is an international network of university-based student chapters that create and use open geospatial data to address real-world development challenges. With over 400 chapters in more than 70 countries, YouthMappers empowers young people to become leaders in open mapping while advancing goals in sustainability, resilience, and humanitarian action. This presentation will showcase how this community is using open-source tools to build both data and capacity, while supporting a global movement of youth who map for impact.
A major focus of this presentation will be the YouthMappers Academy, which is relaunching in August 2025 as a fully open-source and publicly accessible e-learning platform. Formerly limited to internal consortium members, the new Academy features self-paced learning modules that cover essential open geospatial technologies, such as OpenStreetMap (OSM), JOSM, Field Papers, KoboCollect, and more. You can find the full list of modules here: https://www.youthmappers.org/academy. Participants will learn how the Academy fosters skill-building through a digital badging system that certifies proficiency in various aspects of open mapping—from beginner techniques to advanced workflows.
Key modules in the Academy include:
- Introduction to OpenStreetMap
- Editing with JOSM and ID Editor
- Field Survey Development (Survey Instruments & Tools)
- Visualizing and validating data
- Specialized workflows including 3D tagging and visualization
By making this resource open and freely available to anyone, the Academy extends YouthMappers’ reach far beyond universities, offering tools and training to anyone interested in open geospatial knowledge.
In the second part of the talk, I will highlight a new series of tutorial videos that guide users through 3D mapping with open tools, a rapidly evolving area of interest for both students and professionals. These videos provide step-by-step instructions for:
1) Mapping in 3D: Remote Mapping 3D Features with Mapillary & JOSM
Learn how to remotely identify 3D building features using imagery and Mapillary, apply height and shape tags, and contribute them to OpenStreetMap using JOSM. This advanced tutorial is ideal for experienced mappers looking to enhance the depth and realism of their edits.
2) Mapping in 3D: Bringing Geospatial Data to Life with Cesium Stories
Discover how to use Cesium ion—a web-based platform—to render and interact with 3D Tiles derived from OSM data. This tutorial demonstrates how mappers and developers can transform raw 3D information into immersive, interactive geospatial scenes using just a browser.
3) Mapping in 3D: A Step-by-Step Guide to Using FieldPapers for 3D Mapping in OSM
This beginner-friendly tutorial teaches how to plan fieldwork using printable Field Papers atlases, annotate building dimensions and roof types on paper, and digitize the data back into OSM. This hybrid approach empowers mappers in low-connectivity settings to contribute high-value, detailed spatial data.
These tutorials not only support the technical development of open mappers, but also reflect YouthMappers’ core philosophy: learn by doing, lead by mapping. Whether you're a student, humanitarian mapper, or open-source advocate, these resources help build practical skills while contributing to a global data commons.
In the final portion of the session, I will explore the broader impact of these initiatives–how YouthMappers chapters use mapping projects to address local development needs, partner with NGOs, and build leadership pathways in their communities. From disaster resilience mapping in the Philippines, to urban infrastructure mapping in Latin America, to health access projects in Africa, the YouthMappers network is shaping the next generation of geospatial changemakers.
Attendees will leave the session with:
- A practical understanding of the YouthMappers Academy platform and how to access its free training materials
- Inspiration from real-world youth-led mapping projects
- Resources to learn or teach 3D mapping using open platform
- Insights into building community through open mapping and open data
This talk is ideal for:
- Educators and program managers seeking open geospatial curriculum
- Students and youth interested in global collaboration and mapping
- OSM community members exploring advanced workflows like 3D mapping
- Open-source advocates looking to expand participation and equity in the geospatial world
Elodie Nix is the Technical Projects Manager at YouthMappers and a Research Analyst at Arizona State University (ASU). At YouthMappers, she supports global mapping initiatives that strengthen students’ abilities to use open geospatial data to address humanitarian and environmental challenges. In her role at ASU, she develops maps and geospatial tools that support research and community-focused projects across the state. She has also worked as an instructional designer, creating interactive learning modules and training materials on 3D geospatial data applications.
Elodie’s work blends geospatial analysis, education, and science communication to make complex environmental data more accessible and actionable. She is passionate about using maps, visual storytelling, and technology to advance climate adaptation, disaster preparedness, and conservation efforts, with the goal of making geospatial data more meaningful and impactful.