Why Mapathon?

We are excited to continue mapping after successful events at Earth Day 2024, Earth Day 2023, GIS Day 2022, Earth Day 2022, GIS Day 2021, Earth Day 2021, GIS Day 2020, Earth Day 2020, GIS Day 2019, Earth Day 2019, GIS Day 2018, and GeoWeek 2017! Mapathons are our way of engaging more people, promoting free and open data, and sparking excitement about mapping. It is a way of ‘flexing our muscle’, that is to show we can make a difference through our network of volunteers.

Mapping

NOTE: NO PRIOR MAPPING EXPERIENCE NEEDED!!!

Mapping is done using OpenStreetMap (OSM), a free, online mapping tool. Projects are organized by the Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (HOT) using a tasking manager called the HOT Tasking Manager. In each project, the area is divided into small squares that volunteers can choose to edit. Once a volunteer begins editing a square, it is locked to prevent others from editing the same area and overwriting work.

Since OpenStreetMap allows us to contribute data to maps worldwide, this Mapathon provides the opportunity to help from the comfort of our homes or together in Morris Library, Room 116A.

In this reference guide, you will find information on how to use OSM to map roads, buildings, and agriculture properly.

Earth Day 2025 Project

The project completed during the 2024 Earth Day Mapathon focused on Urban Water Scarcity: Street Name Basemap for Enugu, Nigeria.

For the 2025 Earth Day Mapathon, the student leader will determine the project closer to the event date. Selecting a project too early could lead to it being completed ahead of time, requiring us to find an alternative project at the last minute.

Thank you to our sponsors and organizers!

This event was organized by Epsilon Eta and is being sponsored by The Geology Club, IT, Library, Museums, & Press, Students for the Environment, and the Earth, Ocean, and Environment Club.