This year, I had the incredible opportunity to attend State of the Map (SotM) 2024, the global conference of the OpenStreetMap (OSM) community, held in the vibrant city of Nairobi, Kenya. As one of the travel grant winners, generously supported by the OpenStreetMap Foundation, this experience marked a significant milestone in my mapping journey. It was my first time at SotM, and I was beyond excited to connect with mappers, developers, and enthusiasts from across the world.

The highlight of my participation was co-presenting the topic “OSM: Spectrum” alongside my fellow mapper Pragya Pant. Together, we shared insights into the diversity of mapping practices in Nepal and the importance of inclusivity within the OSM ecosystem. It was truly empowering to showcase our work on a global platform and engage in meaningful conversations with the audience. The support and enthusiasm we received were incredibly motivating and reinforced the value of collaboration within the mapping community.

One of the most memorable aspects of the conference was meeting so many individuals I had previously interacted with online. Seeing these familiar faces in person was both surreal and heartwarming. The conference served as a bridge, turning virtual connections into tangible friendships. I had the chance to meet mentors and inspirations such as Arnalie and Benedicta whose dedication to OSM has been a source of motivation for me since I started mapping. Their passion and leadership continue to inspire me to push boundaries and contribute meaningfully to the community.

I am also immensely grateful to Mikko, whose consistent support has been instrumental in my mapping journey. Mikko brought together the OSM gurus from Asia before the conference, helping us prepare and connect even before reaching Nairobi. His efforts made a significant difference, and his encouragement continues to inspire me.

The evenings were as lively as the conference itself, and the dinner night at BaoBox was a standout moment. The laughter, dancing, and games made it a truly unforgettable experience. It was a joyous celebration of the spirit of OSM—a movement built not just on maps but also on the camaraderie and shared purpose of its contributors. I cherished the chance to interact with gurus from Asia and other regions, exchanging ideas and stories that enriched my perspective on mapping.

Looking back, SotM 2024 was much more than just a conference. It was a celebration of innovation, diversity, and community spirit. The event left me with a wealth of knowledge, new friendships, and an even stronger commitment to the transformative power of open mapping. As I move forward, I carry with me the lessons and inspiration from Nairobi, eager to contribute to OSM with renewed passion.

Acknowledgments

My heartfelt gratitude to the OpenStreetMap Foundation for the travel grant that made this journey possible. To my co-presenter Pragya Pant , thank you for sharing this milestone with me and for your invaluable contributions to our presentation. To Mikko, Arnalie, Benedicta, Mary Muthee, and everyone who made SotM 2024 special—thank you for your guidance, support, and inspiration!