2017 Hurricanes Irma and Maria

About OpenStreetMap

OpenStreetMap offers an online map (and spatial database) which is updated by the minute. Various tools and services allow data extracts for GIS specialists, Routable Garmin GPS data, Smartphone GPS navigation, and other device-compatible downloads. With an internet connection, regular syncing is possible with open access to the community contributed data as it comes in, with OpenStreetMap's bulk data downloads ideal for use offline. In addition, maps can also be printed to paper.

Browse the activation area to get a feel for the data that is currently available. Different map styles including an Humanitarian style can be selected on the right side, and some data may not render (appear) on the map, but could be exported from the underlying database (See export section below).

Paper maps

Poster size Maps and normal sized paper atlases of custom areas can be printed:

• FieldPapers Paper Maps with grid for field survey or general navigation purposes,

Exporting OpenStreetMap data

Anyone can use OSM data for free under the Open Database Licence (ODbL) as long as OSM contributors are credited. Exports of the OSM data for affected areas of Hurricanes Irma and Maria can be downloaded from the OSM Export Tool, and the Humanitarian Data Exchange (HDX) platform (@humdata). Datasets are being published through the Export Tool as mapping projects are being completed on the Tasking Manager. Please check back frequently for new datasets listed in the table below.

Offline road navigation with small devices

The exports listed in the table below contain formats for Garmin (.imp) and .mwm which works in the mobile app MAPS.ME

Usage of OSM data for humanitarian missions

• CartONG
  • Salinas CartONG Map
  • Many more maps from CartONG that utilize OpenStreetMap on their website
• CrowdRescueHQ
  • Puerto Rico Ground Conditions Map
• National Alliance for Public Safety GIS Foundation (NAPSG)
  • Hurricane Maria Photo Map
  • Incident Briefing
  • Bridge Map
• Standby Task Force (SBTF)
  • Roads and Hospital Status Map

Learn to map

• You can contribute to the response via the internet by tracing buildings, roads, waterways, etc. (as requested by project). To react rapidly to support humanitarians deploying, we need a lot of contributors for remote editing. Visit the Missing Maps beginners section to get started.
• For more information visit LearnOSM.org for modular training on a wide variety of OSM topics from beginner to advanced.

Mapping

• Please choose from highest priority first. Pre-disaster situations should be simple to complete fast, just validating the essential missing infrastructures. Post-disaster mapping could require much more work and more complex planning of emergencies, but will require newer specific imagery source.
• Generic instructions on how to use the Task Manager and map roads, buildings and waterways can be found here.
• For experienced mappers, information on validating the tasks can be found here.

Areas being covered by projects in Tasking Manager can be seen on the uMap for 2017 Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

Projects

About HOT

To learn more about the Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (HOT), explore more of our wiki pages (portal: HOT) or our website hotosm.org. We are a global community of mostly volunteers, we are also a US nonprofit organization, able to contract with other organizations (email infohotosmorg to contact our staff), we are also a US 501-c-3 charitable organization.

• HOT activates for three disasters: hurricane Irma, Mexico earthquake, Bangladesh floods, 2017-09-09.
• HOT activates for five disasters (update), 2017-09-26.
• Fall 2017 disaster response: calling all mappers!, 2017-10-10.
• OSM Puerto Rico emerges stronger and ready to help rebuild!, 2017-10-27.

• Irma : mobilisation citoyenne pour rétablir les réseaux de communication, Initiatives, Libération, 2017-09-07.
• Après Irma, des internautes mobilisés pour cartographier en urgence les zones dévastées, Pixels, Le Monde, 2017-09-08.
• Ouragan Irma : des "hackers citoyens" se mobilisent au secours des victimes, Société, WeDemain.fr, 2017-09-11.
• Face aux ouragans, les multiples facettes de la solidarité numérique, Service-Direct.fr (initially from NextImpact.com), 2017-09-21.
• How Philly devs are lending a hand to Puerto Rico relief workers, Technical.ly Philly, 2017-09-29.
• Volunteers are helping Puerto Rico from home, with a map anyone can edit, The Rundown, PBS News Hour, 2017-10-01.
• A Mapathon to Pinpoint Areas Hardest Hit in Puerto Rico, New York Times, 2017-10-02.
• Red Cross Aid Workers from Around the Globe Help Americans in Wake of Hurricanes, American Red Cross, 2017-10-02.
• Help Puerto Rico Recover by Mapping Damaged Areas, Atlas Obscura, 2017-10-09.
• When Cartography Meets Disaster Relief, CityLab.com, 2017-10-11.
• Why Thousands of People Around the World Are Mapping Puerto Rico's Buildings and Streets, Justice, Earther.com, 2017-10-12.
• The Crowdsourced Maps Guiding Puerto Rico's Recovery, Wired.com, 2017-10-13.
• How Students Are Assisting Puerto Rico Recovery Efforts From Their Laptops, The University Network (TUN.com), 2017-10-13.