A group of NGOs is spearheading a project to map the most crisis-prone areas of the developing world
The aim of the Missing Maps Project is to directly improve the lives of some of the planet’s most vulnerable people by mapping the areas where they live, enabling humanitarian organisations to better respond to disasters.
The project is an open, collaborative initiative initiated by Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF), the British Red Cross, the American Red Cross and the Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (HOT).
Thousands of volunteers will be recruited in the biggest example of digital volunteerism to date. They will map parts of the world most vulnerable to humanitarian crises; places that are vulnerable to natural disasters, disease outbreaks, epidemics or conflict.
The maps created by the project will be available to use by everyone, everywhere, benefitting NGOs and local people. The project is being run through OpenStreetMap, which ensures that the data collected and the maps that come from it will be free, accessible and without restriction forever. In addition, the maps can be added to, corrected or developed over time by anyone.
To find out more about the project and volunteer click here
