Holding a Mapping Event
Once you have gone out and mapped cameras on your own, try organizing neighbors and friends to map cameras. Here are a few tips:
Before the event
Pick a date, time and location. It helps if you have a rain/snow date to fall back to if the weather gets in your way;
Share your event:
- with neighbors and friends;
- on social media;
- on neighborhood discussion lists;
- put up posters about the event.
When advertising your event include:
- where to meet and when and when you will start mapping so attendees know when to arrive by;
- a map of the area you plan to map;
- a phone number people can use to contact you;
- links or QR codes to the following links so people can download and setup software ahead of time:
Consult our Using OSM Field Papers page to create maps you can print out and give to people at the event.
During the event
Make sure everyone either is:
- setup to use their mapping app including:
- they have downloaded the map app they will use;
- they have created an Open Street Map account;
- their app is logged into their Open Street Map account;
- using a paper map. Be sure to agree on the required symbols for different types of cameras and their characteristics such as camera view angle.
Divide up into teams of around two people.
Divide up the area you will cover either by handing out preprinted maps or pick landmarks such as streets to divide the area each team should cover.
When a two person team reaches a block, pick a corner with one person going on one side and the other person on the other side. They should meet at the diagonal corner.
