About Mapathon
Be Our Volunteer
Mapper to Make an Impact on the World
Maps are essential for MSF to get to patients, to assess the needs of crisis-hit communities, to track the spread of diseases and to respond to local events. But much of the area where MSF works is simply missing from any map. In many project locations, MSF relies on hand-drawn maps provided by the local authorities, which are not up-to-date and have only limited information.
Mapathon provides an opportunity for volunteer mappers to digitally connect and map the most vulnerable places in the developing world, so that MSF and other international non-governmental organisations (NGOs) can use these maps and data to better respond to crisis affecting these areas.
How Can You Help?
Step 1
Volunteer mappers trace the features of an area of interest. Using aerial photographs as a backdrop, we can literally trace road networks, buildings and landmarks to build a line drawing of the area.
Step 2
People on the ground collect the local names of neighbourhoods, roads, buildings, etc. This can be done by physically taking printed copies of maps created in step one, or by data collection on GPS devices or smartphones, and checking this information locally.
Step 3
MSF and other humanitarian organisations can start using the mapped information in outbreak management, epidemiology, logistics and other activities that save lives.
Mapathon is a crucial part of the Missing Maps Project, recruiting volunteer mappers from anywhere with internet access, regardless of their prior experience.
If you’d like to organise a Mapathon at your school, please download, fill out, and send the form to school@hongkongmsf.org. We'll do our best to help.
Missing Maps is an open, collaborative initiative founded by Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF), the British Red Cross, the American Red Cross and the Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (HOT) with an aim to provide international and local NGOs and individuals with geographic data to better respond to crises. Mapathon is the first stage of the Missing Maps Project.
Contact Us
For any questions regarding our school programs, please contact us by calling (852)2959 4297 or emailing school@hongkong.msf.org.