OpenStreetMap
During the fellowship, I learned how to validate more effectively, especially by using filters, search functions, and setting up map paint styles. I became better at identifying issues, mapping across different countries, and validating data from other regions. This helped me understand mapping more deeply, including the different shapes of buildings across countries. I also gained a stronger grasp of quality standards and grew more comfortable using JOSM shortcuts. For example, while validating building footprints in Africa and later in Asia like Japan, North and South America, I noticed differences in building construction styles and settlement patterns. By applying filters and map paint styles, I was able to quickly identify inconsistencies such as overlapping polygons or missing tags and correct them. This experience not only improved my technical validation skills but also gave me a broader perspective on how mapping standards can be applied across diverse contexts.
During my validation mapping in Japan, I encountered a task where the same area had been mapped using two different imagery sources of Bing and Esri. This created alignment issues and inconsistencies in the data. Through the fellowship, I learned how to handle imagery offsets, switch between imagery layers and use search tools to trace a particular mapper’s edits. By applying these skills, I was able to identify the discrepancies, adjust the imagery and improve the overall quality of the map. This experience was particularly meaningful because it showed me how technical validation techniques like managing imagery sources and targeting specific edits can directly enhance data accuracy. It was a proud moment to see how my improved skills contributed to cleaner, more reliable mapping outputs.
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