The views and content expressed in this blog are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the positions or policies of any organization. YouthMappers is a voluntary network, and all participation in its activities is independent and self-directed. Any projects, data, or findings referenced here are the result of voluntary contributions from YouthMappers members.
A map is never just a map. It is a story waiting to be told, a mystery waiting to be unraveled, a problem waiting to be solved. I have always been fascinated by how a simple set of coordinates can reveal a place's past, present, and future—how a single road, a single river, or even a single missing pathway can hold within it a thousand untold stories.
As a 4th-year student of Geography and Environment at the University of Dhaka and the Organizational Secretary of the YouthMappers Dhaka University Chapter, mapping is not just a skill for me—it is an art form. And at State of the Map (SotM) Asia, I, along with my fellow mappers, had the incredible opportunity to bring this art to a global stage. What happens when young mappers from different backgrounds come together, sharing their experiences and solutions? The result is a canvas of insights, a fusion of knowledge, and a shared dream of making the world more visible—one map at a time.
Bringing Local Problems to the Global Table
Dhaka is a city of contradictions—vibrant yet chaotic, thriving yet struggling. Millions of people navigate its streets daily, yet many of those streets remain unmapped, hidden from solutions and invisible to progress. We brought several of these challenges to the forefront at SotM Asia.
One of our key projects focused on mapping broken roads—the potholes, missing sidewalks, and unsafe crossings that not only create unbearable traffic but also pose security risks, especially for women and children. Through OpenStreetMap (OSM), we are visualizing these neglected paths to advocate for change.
Another major concern we highlighted was Jinjira, an economic hub near Dhaka known for its bustling retail production industry. Despite its economic importance, the area’s road network is a disaster, making it vulnerable to hazards like fires. The idea was pitched by the Event Management Executive of the YouthMappers Dhaka University Chapter, so we tried to showcase how mapping the locality could help fire brigades navigate faster, reach locations efficiently, and potentially save lives.
Mapping is not just about roads and buildings—it is about tracing the impact of human actions. That is why we also showcased projects that extend beyond infrastructure. We presented our ongoing work on mapping the University of Dhaka’s facilities using OSM, KoboToolbox, and the EveryDoor app. Every classroom, every emergency exit, and every essential facility needs to be mapped—not just for navigation but for safety and accessibility.
We also highlighted how maps can be a tool for social justice by mapping roads based on women’s safety. Public spaces are not the same for everyone. By analyzing which streets feel unsafe for women, we can push for better urban planning, security measures, and policy changes.
Environmental Change: Mapping the Invisible Crisis
Environmental change is another invisible crisis that mapping can bring to light. I personally showcased a time-lapse analysis of Matikata Road, a single road whose construction wiped out 90% of the Matikata waterbody in Dhaka. Through mapping and satellite imagery, we visualized this environmental loss, revealing how infrastructure development can come at the cost of nature.
Similarly, the president of YouthMappers Dhaka University Chapter tried to use satellite images to track pollution in Cox’s Bazar Beach, the world’s longest sea beach. Her study aimed to prove that as tourism increases, so does pollution. Along with the team, she demonstrated how OSM can be used to plan better waste management strategies, ensuring that tourism and nature can coexist sustainably.
A Gathering of Minds, A Sharing of Visions
What made SotM Asia truly special was the sheer passion of the mappers. It was a space where ideas flowed like rivers, where problems were not just discussed but dissected, analyzed, and reshaped into solutions. It was a reminder that mapping is never a solitary act. A map carries the fingerprints of every mapper who contributes to it, a collective effort to make the world more visible and more understood.
Each mapper in the room had a different story to tell, yet we all spoke the same language—the language of maps. With every presentation, every discussion, and every exchange of ideas, it became clear that mapping is not just about documenting places; it is about understanding them, protecting them, and ultimately, improving them.
From Academic to Commercial: The Business of Mapping
One of the most exciting revelations at SotM Asia was seeing how mapping is not just an academic tool—it is a powerful business asset. The presentations by Meta, bKash, and Barikoi opened our eyes to how OSM is being used commercially. These companies are using mapping data to optimize services, streamline logistics, and make navigation smarter.
For young mappers like us, this was a game-changer. It showed us that the vast datasets we work with are not just for research—they are opportunities. The data we collect, clean, and visualize is open for use, waiting for the right minds to turn it into something innovative. Maybe the next big mapping-based startup will come from one of us. Maybe the future of tech in Bangladesh lies in geography and data. We just need to see the possibilities and act on them.
The Art of Mapping: Why We Must Showcase Our Work
Just as an artist must exhibit their paintings, a mapper must showcase their maps. What is the point of capturing stories if no one ever hears them? Mapping is not just technical—it is creative. It requires vision, patience, and a deep understanding of space and time. It takes a blank canvas and fills it with knowledge, making the unknown known.
SotM Asia was not just a conference—it was an exhibition of cartographic artistry. It was a gallery where young mappers brought their work to life, painting solutions onto maps for the world to see. It was proof that mapping is not just about data—it is a voice, a form of activism, and above all, a way to bring change.
For me, for my chapter, and for every mapper out there, this is just the beginning.
We will continue mapping.
We will continue solving.
And most importantly, we will continue showcasing, because every map is a story waiting to be told.
About the Author
Ramisa Maliha is a Geography student at the University of Dhaka, passionate about understanding urban systems, environmental policy, and human geography. Her research focuses on urban studies, the complexities of social systems, and sustainable development. She combines GIS and remote sensing tools with a commitment to humanitarian work, particularly through mapping initiatives. As the Organizational Secretary of the YouthMappers DU Chapter, she has represented her team at the international State of the Map Asia conference and contributed to impactful mapping projects for disaster resilience. Ramisa aspires to use geospatial technologies to address urban challenges and foster sustainable solutions.