In several conversations in the past couple weeks, the question arises of the potential for dis-empowering communities through mapping and open data. It’s a very deep issue, and these are just some quick thoughts.
To me, it all depends on how it’s undertaken. If you map a slum using remote sensing techniques, from govt offices, for sure, that’s a tool of state control. If you go into the slum, ask residents if they want to map, and allow them to choose what they map, and make every effort for residents to have access and use that map in their agenda … well I’m of the strong opinion that it’s just the opposite.
It could easily be said that my position is a Cop Out, that going into the slum, I can not help but bring an agenda, and residents may not initially clearly see all the ramifications of open data. So yes, we need to take responsibility, and be sure that what we are doing is not harmful. The dilemma of Open Data is very tough, yes. But I simply can’t see this point on informal areas, if the project is executed correctly. What slum residents lack most of all is representation and a voice. “Hiding” by not mapping is not going to protect them.
The attitude of fear may be down to lack of experience of citizen driven cartography. And it’s also dependent on the kind of data. We’re debating this actively now in Kibera, as we start to focus on the theme of Security. Mapping brothels and places to use drugs are simply going to be harmful to already vulnerable people. Mapping the refugee routes from Burma into India, openly, would be sheer stupidity. Mapping where lighting is present, and where it’s needed, that is helpful. So we need to constantly judge, and as you say, every situation is unique. I suppose it’s another recapitulation of the Shirky-Morozov debate.
Who knew the pleasures of looking after gear?! Inspired by the awesome HOT Haiti Pelican Case, we went out town to snag a budget hard-top brief case, and some foam pillow filling, and went to work with a bread knife. The result is a solid carrying case for up to 14 GPS units, with space for cables, extra batteries, installer discs and documentation. We did up the same for the Flip cameras. In the range of $20-$30, and solid enough.
Gear management needs thought, which would’ve been obvious to anyone keeping track of assets in a school or company. It’s largely ad-hoc in Kibera, and we’re trying to institute systems for daily and longer terms check outs of GPS. Under what criteria and length of time do people get access to a GPS library? For the moment, we keep track of who has what on the wiki.
We’ve settled on Garmin eTrex Legend HCx as our GPS of choice. Color screen, AA battery slots, MicroSD slot, USB interface … and less than $200 each. Been purchasing on Amazon, along with the cheapest MicroSD cared I can find.
The GPS don’t come ready to use. It’s a 10 minute process to configure from factory presets, to settings appropriate for OpenStreetMap mapping. We’ve documented the GPS setup process
Everything within the group is labeled. Everything. The GPS and cameras of course, but also every rechargeable battery, clipboard, and pen. It is shocking how easy these go missing. Our label maker may be our most precious piece of equipment.
Batteries are another management challenge. We now have three chargers, and dozen of NiMH batteries. The Eveready charger seems to work faster than Eneloop. On days before mapping, we’re pretty much loading these up all day long. We also need to make sure all the GPS are loaded with new maps, takes a bit of time!
Hopefully just a few tips that will help others in their gear prep and management.
