Missing Maps

Bridging the Gap in Global Mapping

Overview

In many parts of the world, access to detailed and accurate maps is far from given. In regions where humanitarian organizations operate, entire cities and critical infrastructure are often missing from maps. This lack of reliable geographical data poses significant challenges for disaster relief efforts, such as planning effective operations or delivering aid to healthcare facilities.

To address this, the Missing Maps project was founded in 2014 with the goal of mapping vulnerable and underserved regions using the open-source platform OpenStreetMap (OSM). These efforts aim to create detailed maps that support humanitarian operations in disaster-prone areas.

How Missing Maps Works

Mapping

Validation

Humanitarian Action

Remote Tracing

Volunteers from around the globe contribute by tracing satellite imagery into OpenStreetMap. Participants can join existing mapping tasks or organize their own mapathons to foster a sense of community among mappers.

Adding Local Details

Community volunteers enhance the maps by adding local details, such as neighborhoods, street names, and evacuation centers. This process ensures the accuracy and reliability of the maps, making them more useful for on-the-ground efforts.

Humanitarian Response

Humanitarian organizations utilize the mapped information to plan risk reduction and disaster response activities that save lives. These maps support efforts such as coordinating relief supplies, identifying vulnerable areas, and improving preparedness for future crises.

Founding Members

The Missing Maps project was co-founded by:

HeiGIT’s Contributions

Since 2015, HeiGIT and the GIScience Research Group at Heidelberg University have actively supported the Missing Maps initiative by focusing on:

Monitoring and Visualization

Leveraging data from the HOT Tasking Manager and the ohsome framework to track contributions and assess their impact.

Providing tools to support decision-making in disaster management.

Research on OSM Data Completeness

Exploring the completeness of OpenStreetMap data in regions where detailed reference datasets are unavailable.

Utilizing global datasets on built-up areas, human settlements, and population distribution to gain insights into the coverage of specific features like buildings and residential areas.

Research Dissemination

Community Engagement

HeiGIT organizes regular Missing Maps Mapathons, events where volunteers and experts collaborate to improve the quality and coverage of OpenStreetMap data in underserved regions.

Participate in Missing Maps Mapathons and contribute to building a more resilient and mapped world.