Open Data Solutions
AT HOT, WE USE A COMBINATION OF OPEN MAPPING TOOLS DEVELOPED BY THE OPEN SOURCE COMMUNITY TO CREATE, ACCESS, MANAGE, ANALYZE, AND SHARE OPEN MAP DATA THAT SERVES OUR PARTNERS AND LOCAL COMMUNITIES.
Below you can explore tools for your data workflows and mapping projects from start to finish. All tools below are either open source or relating to the promotion of open data. OpenStreetMap (OSM) and other open geospatial tools are included to promote open and free mapping in all contexts, including limited resourced environments. HOT’s tools, which fill a niche in end to end mapping workflows, are marked.
Open Aerial Map (OAM)
The open collection of aerial imagery.
About
OpenAerialMap is an open service to provide access to a commons of openly licensed imagery and map layer services. Download or contribute imagery to the growing commons of openly licensed imagery.OpenAerialMap creates a place for mappers to store and share their work with the rest of the community. Through this database, everyone has a go to point to start helping out, whether it's drone pilots in areas of crisis, or mappers who want to trace from home.
Tasking Manager
Join a global community that is mapping the places most vulnerable to disaster and poverty in order to support humanitarian aid and sustainable development across the world.
About
Each year, disasters around the world kill nearly 100,000 and affect or displace 200 million people. Mapping can help change this. Organizations use Tasking Manager to create mapping projects for areas around the world where data is needed to help save or improve lives.
Features
- Mapping: Volunteers use satellite imagery from OpenStreetMap to trace buildings, roadways, and other features.
- Validation: Experienced volunteers check the map data to ensure it is high quality.
- Using the data: Humanitarian organizations use the map data to plan for disaster response and other life saving activities.
Field Mapping Tasking Manager (FMTM)
Coordinated field data collection: Similar to HOT’s remote Tasking Manager, FMTM reduces duplication of efforts and avoids missing areas. The FMTM facilitates collaborative mapping by supporting and extending existing ODK based mature tools.
About
Feature locations in OpenStreetMap and other open spatial datasets are nearing global coverage, but detailed information on mapped features is still lacking. Information such as feature names, materials, or condition are best mapped on the ground by local community members and requires coordination at scale. (source: website)
Features
- Project Coordination: The FMTM applications improve the mapping productivity (mapped features/person-day) by reducing the duplication of efforts and avoiding missed areas by allocating task areas to mappers.
- Field Data Collection: Unlike other ODK based platforms, FMTM is intended for adding attributes to existing geographical features such as buildings or Points of Interest (POIs).
- Data Upload + Validation: FMTM improves data quality by including a validation mechanism, that ensures data completeness and interoperability.
QGIS
A Free and Open Source Geographic Information System
About
QGIS, or Quantum GIS, is an open-source geographic information system (GIS) software that allows users to create, edit, visualize, analyze, and publish geospatial information. It provides a wide range of tools for working with geographic data, including mapping, spatial analysis, and data visualization. QGIS supports various data formats and projections, making it suitable for a diverse range of applications, from environmental management and urban planning to agriculture and disaster response. It is widely used by individuals, organizations, and governments for its flexibility, ease of use, and extensive community support. (source: website)
Features
- Data Visualization and Mapping: QGIS facilitates creation of customizable, visually appealing maps with diverse data layers.
- Spatial Analysis Tools: Offers a suite of tools for comprehensive spatial analysis, supporting tasks like proximity and overlay analysis.
- Plugin Architecture: Its plugin architecture enables users to enhance functionality with a wide range of community-developed plugins, tailored to specific tasks and workflows.
D3
The JavaScript library for bespoke data visualization. Create custom dynamic visualizations with unparalleled flexibility
About
D3 (or D3.js) is a free, open-source JavaScript library for visualizing data. Its low-level approach built on web standards offers unparalleled flexibility in authoring dynamic, data-driven graphics. For more than a decade D3 has powered groundbreaking and award-winning visualizations, become a foundational building block of higher-level chart libraries, and fostered a vibrant community of data practitioners around the world. (source: website)Export Tool
Download OpenStreetMap Data
About
The Export Tool is an open service that creates customized extracts of up-to-date OSM data in various file formats. Download and use the data simply by crediting the OpenStreetMap contributors.
Features
- Customized Data Exports: Generate customized exports of OpenStreetMap data tailored to specific geographic regions and thematic needs, supporting humanitarian and disaster response efforts.
- Flexible Output Formats: Flexibility in output formats, enabling users to export data in various formats such as shapefiles, GeoJSON, and OSM XML, facilitating compatibility with different GIS software and analysis tools.
- Live Database: Access to up-to-date OpenStreetMap data, allowing users to access the latest information for their mapping and analysis tasks in humanitarian contexts, ensuring relevance and accuracy in decision-making processes.