In a previous post on Upande.com, OSM technology used in MapKibera.org was described. One may wonder how the OSM model compares to Google MapMaker which is Google's 'editable Google Maps', and of which all vectors can also be downloaded for free for non commercial use.

OSM differs in the fact that it is mainly built up with GPS on the ground by local experts. This is more accurate though also more time consuming than tracing on top of satellite imagery, which is characteristic of Google's approach. As Google can easily provide high resolution satelite imagery and can benefit from any contributors they are able to mobilize all working in the 'cloud', their approach is more scalable though potentially also less accurate from a thematic perspective, depending on the community they are able to engage.

There are quite a few comparing studies online including Mikel's analysis which analyses coverage for Nairobi objectively but is clearly written from an OSM perspective in terms of licensing. For individuals or organisations wanting themselves to be found through any of the Google platforms within minutes, MapMaker is the way to go. And with Google's dominance in search in general, this is a wise thing to do for most people.

Downloading of MapMaker GIS data is very interesting for the non commercial sectors due to Google's impressive satellite imagery acquisition channels and their unrestricted data licensing model for non commercial use. For full commercial flexibility either in online or offline maps or based on the raw GIS data, OSM has a lot more to offer.

So both approaches have their advantages and disadvantages and have proven that they have made huge impacts. MapKibera definitely fills a hole in any map, including in Google's map. And the level of detail captured in a densely populated area such as Kibera can definitely not be captured on satellite imagery.

 

MapKibera.org is an initiative by OpenStreetMap's Mikel Maron and Jubal Harpster to map East Africa's biggest informal Settlement in detail. One of the partners is JumpStart who supports social development through strengthening infrastructure and institutions critical to creating employment opportunities and encouraging the development of private enterprise. Their goal is to work with local communities to implement employment, training, and programs that provide working opportunities and promote economic self-sufficiency. They are linked to projects in Gaza, Jordan, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya and the West Bank.

Other partners include SODNET, Carolina for Kibera and Upande.

MapKibera.. Why kibera and why map it...

Though well known, researched and serviced, it remains literally blank on the map.

“Its patterns of traffic, scarce water resources, limited medial facilities, etc. remain invisible to the outside world, and residents themselves. Without basic knowledge of the geography of Kibera it is impossible to have an informed discussion on how to improve the lives of residents of Kibera and other informal settlements as well.”

Due to the level of detail, the maps go beyond just commercial purposes, but are of help to other sectors like Social services, e.g health, local government etc. With more specific data collection, the MapKibera model, as applied world over by Jumpstreet, can be adopted as a basis by the government and NGO’s to frequently gather information.

The longterm plan is to extend projects to other informal settlements and also into formal urban areas and at least cater for the ‘voluntary ‘ part.

Use of the maps...

“Aside from the project’s obvious usefulness for foreign residents or tourists. The maps’ potential for improving local projects, is unlimited: improving opportunities for service delivery, being used for urban planning and logistical purposes and any other infrastructure schemes that arise in the future.”

Methodology...

Kibera has been split into villages (administrative wards) and the mappers are assigned into the wards on the basis of size and familiarity. This approach assures a simple but thorough collection of data. The mappers have basic knowledge of computers and are taken through some training on the use of GPS receivers and the web mapping tool.

Tools in use...

Garmin handheld GPS receivers and OpenStreetMap tools. Data is licensed through Creative Commons Share Alike, meaning it is availalble for commercial use also provided that edits are shared again. Due to the funding data is readily available to general public. The data which is either in OSM or GPX formats is downloadable in other common formats i.e Shapefile and KML. MapKibera aims to produce the first complete free and open map of Kibera, Kibera being perhaps the first in a series.

Technical support and Local point of contact:

“Individuals from the blossoming Nairobi tech scene will help train and make connections with the larger community, and create a sustainable group of map maintainers beyond the initial three week November effort.” SODNET has kindly hosted many of the MapKibera meetings, Upande has provided some technical support on the GIS front.

Mikel Maron, one of the board members of the Open Streetmap Foundation who is heading the MapKibera.org initiative, has asked me to speak to the big team tomorrow who are carrying out the actual mapping work in Kibera at the moment. Mikel did a great presentation on the work so far at the Break Away event last Saturday, where I was also speaking. I am looking forward to interacting with their exciting work, which is unique globally and which also relates to some of the UN-Habitat work I am doing.