European Youth Humanitarian OSM Erasmus Project

Project Title

European Youth Humanitarian OSM

Project Key Action

This project related with these key action: Cooperation for innovation and the exchange of good practices

Project Action Type

This project related with this action type : School Exchange Partnerships

Project Call Year

This project’s Call Year is 2018

Project Topics

This project is related with these Project Topics: Post-conflict/post-disaster rehabilitation; ICT – new technologies – digital competences; Social entrepreneurship / social innovation

Project Summary

In our project proposal we already pointed out that OpenStreetMap is more than a map like the ones provided by Google Maps or Microsoft Bing. During the project, the students were given the opportunity to learn about the differences between OpenStreetMap and the two American map services. They realized during the project that a free use of maps (Google, Bing) and free and also free of charge OpenStreetMap are a big difference.

The students added missing data or corrected errors in maps and made them generally available. From this fact it was also possible for the students to actively participate in the provision of geographic information for various aid organizations, because precisely those maps of OpenStreetMap are free and accessible to everyone and are not provided proprietary.

Through the entire process from collecting the data to the compliant transfer of the data to the OpenStreetMap database from which the maps are generated, the students were able to trace the complete process to the finished map. The collection of geographic data was done in the form of recordings taken in the field, by analyzing satellite images or photographs taken by drones, which were created for us by the University of the Azores together with the students. The students checked the quality of the data, corrected it if necessary, and supported each other in the process, therefore building and strengthening social and methodological skills alongside technical skills.

In order for the students to be able to generate compliant and factually correct data for the OSM database in the first place, they had to use digital tools and software to transfer the data and necessary digital information sources (e.g. wiki). International communication before and after the mobilities took place through collaboration platforms. In the following pandemic, which was responsible for the fact that we had to conduct two mobilities virtually and not on site, the students were able to use the knowledge they had gained purposefully in distance learning. This was an effect that was not intended, but which the students were able to take with them as an additional competence.

During their work, they worked in international teams and also contributed to understanding in the intercultural field, developed foreign language skills and the necessary understanding for other cultures. This approach contributes to a better understanding within Europe and makes that continent grow closer together.

The importance of the data generated by the students became clear to them after the numerous conversations they had with the staff of aid organizations that rely on the data, such as Doctors Without Borders. They were able to get in direct contact with the staff and find out which data is necessary in which form for their humanitarian work in the areas of operation. Therefore, the students gained insight into the humanitarian work on the ground by the aid organizations.

The data generated by the students can be used worldwide free of charge. It does not matter whether the data is used on computers or mobile devices. Access to the data does not involve any financial investment and allows even the poorest people in the world to access and benefit from the data.

The data generated by the students and many volunteers is used not only by aid organizations such as Doctors Without Borders, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, but also by cities and municipalities and also by the science service. In addition, students are able to create database queries in the field and therefore investigate geographical issues in their place of residence.

All in all, the students have developed competencies that go far beyond everyday school life and can certainly be applied in later professional life.

Project Website

https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/EuYoutH_OSM

EU Grant (Eur)

Funding of the project from EU: 127076,36 Eur

Project Coordinator

Geschwister-Scholl-Schule Berufsbildende Schule Saarburg & Country: DE

Project Partners

• Archbishop Sentamu Academy
• Escola Secundária Jerónimo Emiliano de Andrade
• Liceul Tehnologic “General Magheru”
• Portmarnock Community School
• IES A Sangriña