New signature program to create geospatial data in areas of need to USAID, using OSM. Mapping for Resilience works to create a new generation of maps for USAID programs, and a new generation of mappers. It builds demand for the supply of data that OSM can provide.

Through a university consortium relationship, the GeoCenter engages geography students in the US and in developing countries to jointly participate in mapping unmapped areas of the world. Once students in the US map the data, students in the developing country with local knowledge of the area edit, validate, and add attributes.

Before an area is mapped, the GeoCenter consults with USAID offices and international field missions to define priority areas of interest. Through mappathons involving students at GWU, Texas Tech, and Khulna University, new geodata is being created in rural farming areas in Bangladesh. The resulting maps inform decisions about where in the rural areas USAID should invest to increase food security.

This program will increase areas of interest and participating universities around the world, combine mapped data with household survey data, and identify vulnerable areas to inform programming that can ultimately improve community resilience to shocks.