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A Little Background on OSM
Hello! I’m Ashok Thakulla, a somewhat introverted individual and enthusiastic learner. Through this blog, I aim to narrate my journey as an engineering student, delving into the realms of YouthMappers Chapters and OpenStreetMap during my time pursuing a Bachelor's in Geomatics Engineering at Kathmandu University, Nepal. Today, I continue to contribute as a volunteer to OSM as an advanced mapper.
My passion lies in volunteering to map locations most susceptible to disasters, extending a hand to support humanitarian aid, and fostering sustainable development globally. Mapping, to me, is not just a task; it is a satisfaction. Mapping helps people in different ways. It transports me from the confines of my reality and allows me to make a tangible impact on the world around me. I strongly believe in focusing on your actions and not on the byproducts.
First Interaction with YouthMappers Chapter GES and OSM
I joined the university in August 2018 at the Department of Geomatics Engineering, Kathmandu University. Days were going as normal, with students attending classes, listening to lectures, and participating in practicals, labs, etc. A one-day orientation was conducted by GES, which provided a brief introduction to the Geomatics Engineering Society (GES).
"The Geomatics Engineering Society is the pioneering society of South Asia, established in 2008 A.D. by students of Geomatics Engineering at Kathmandu University. GES acts as a platform to develop the skills of students beyond their educational activities by focusing on initiatives like technical training, seminars, talk programs, interaction with experts, and sports activities."
After a few weeks, there was another announcement about the World GIS Day 2018 Celebration, an annual event of GES. At that time, I didn’t have any idea about how such events could benefit or help us. One of the pre-events, OSM Geo Awareness Mapathons 2018, was conducted on November 16, 2018. I registered for an OSM account on the same day. It was a workshop plus competition. I participated in the program, which was my first interaction with OpenStreetMap. I learned about the HOT Tasking Manager, iD Editor, and some applications of OSM.
My friend, Saurav Raj Khanal, and I became the runners-up in the competition. Following that, I spent a few months exploring and learning about OSM, especially mapping my local village. I mapped some buildings and land-use footprints. Unfortunately, I didn’t continue with OSM for long. I stopped mapping, stopped exploring OSM, and even missed the Mapathon 2019 and the pre-event of the Nepal Geomatics Meet 2019 (NepGeom 2019).
Eventually, I forgot the ID and password for my account and didn’t recover it. And so, the story of my first OSM account came to an end. Once I left, I never revisited it. But who knows—something great might have been waiting for me just around the corner.
A New Beginning in the Lockdown into OSM
All of a sudden, the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak occurred, and everything changed. Life came to a standstill with a nationwide lockdown that began on March 24, 2020. It was a strange and difficult time; I didn’t go home and couldn’t have imagined the lockdown would last so long. As the only student who stayed behind, I lived alone on the university premises. Though the period was challenging, the hard times gradually passed.
One day, while scrolling through Facebook, I discovered posts about various OpenStreetMap training sessions and Mapathon events organized by YouthMappers chapters in Africa. I registered for my first event after years away from mapping: Crowd2Map Tanzania, an initiative aimed at sustainable development and preventing FGM in rural Tanzania. This experience deepened my understanding of OSM’s potential impact. On March 31, 2020, I created a new OSM account and began participating in training sessions, learning, and connecting with mappers from around the world.
In my first year, I had explored GES as a general member. In my second year, I applied for and was selected as an executive member of the Geomatics Engineering Society (GES) Executive Committee for 2019–2020. I actively participated in various programs, working hard to grow both personally and professionally while contributing to the progress of GES. I was fortunate to receive guidance and support from our secretary, Rabi Shrestha, a senior from my faculty, who encouraged me in my work and participation in GES activities.
I led the Map Literacy Program, successfully conducting it in different parts of the country. I extend a big shoutout to all the volunteers who supported us in completing it. Due to COVID-19, we couldn’t hold our annual event, NepGeom, but we successfully launched our annual magazine, GeoSpace, Vol. VI.
As my second year progressed, I resolved to take on more responsibility by becoming an executive member and later running for Vice President. On April 25, 2021, I was formally elected Vice President of the GES Committee for 2021–2022, affirming my belief that hard work always pays off.
During my tenure as an executive member, GES secured the HOT Microgrant 2021, led by Rabi Shrestha. I contributed as a coordinator, working alongside a great team. We also applied for another grant: the Booster Grant. The Mobilizing Committee Nepal invited innovative ideas, and GES submitted a proposal titled “Mapping Banepa Municipality in OSM and Its Applications in Mitigating Effects of Urbanization.” This proposal earned the ‘Most Innovative Idea’ award for the Booster Grant 2021.
As a Mapathon analyst, I was involved in every stage of the project—from drafting the proposal to its final completion under the leadership of Narayan Thapa.
My Participations, Contributions, and Achievements
Crowdmapping Rural Tanzania (UN): Supported by the UN, this initiative highlighted OSM’s role in uplifting communities and addressing societal issues like FGM.
Forest Mapathon (GESAN): Organized on World Environment Day 2020, this event fostered awareness of environmental conservation.
Local Trails and Community Infrastructure Mapping (NAXA): Focused on remote districts like Bajhang and Bajura, this project enhanced my technical mapping skills.
Remote Mapping Projects:
Sindhupalchowk and Rasuwa Districts (YIL): Disaster preparedness mapping.
Kathmandu (Airlift Nepal): Building footprints mapping.
Certified Digital Volunteer (Youth Innovation Lab): Completed all modules of the Learning OpenStreetMap training and contributed over 100 hours to OSM.
HOT Microgrant 2021 & Booster Grant 2021: Contributed as a project coordinator and Mapathon lead to these impactful initiatives.
YouthMappers Leadership Fellows Summit 2023: Jamaica
In 2022, late one night while preparing for my internal examination, I decided to take a short break and scrolled through Instagram. As I browsed, I came across a post: “#YouthMappers: You are invited to apply for the YouthMappers Leadership Fellows Summit!” Curious, I clicked on the post and explored the YouthMappers website to learn more about the 2023 Leadership Fellows Summit in Jamaica.
Excitement and doubt filled my mind. Should I apply? Could I be selected? Saving the application link and question forms to a Word file, I resolved to revisit it after my exams. The next day, back from university, I opened my laptop and started reading the questions. Yet, I didn’t write a single word. For a week, I remained indecisive about applying.
One day, sitting alone by the Fountain area, I closed my eyes and thought about the summit. A quote came to mind: “You’ll never do a whole lot unless you’re brave enough to try.” With this motivation, I resolved to be brave, turn challenges into opportunities, and approach the application purposefully. Slowly, I started drafting my responses, taking my time to write and refine before finally submitting the form.
I believed I had the qualifications to be a strong applicant, but the thought of competing globally against hundreds of mapping enthusiasts and future geospatial leaders was daunting. However, this process taught me a valuable lesson: "Don’t compete with others; focus on your own growth to maintain peace of mind." Attempting opportunities, even with the risk of failure, is essential for personal growth.
On August 1, 2022, at 9:36 p.m., I received an email notification. Opening it, I was overwhelmed with joy—I had been selected for the program! This sparked hope and encouraged me to confront my fears and embrace new challenges. I was one of 68 exceptional undergraduate and graduate students selected from 320 YouthMappers chapters in 67 countries. This incredible opportunity proved that bravery and hard work always pay off.
The summit focused on three central themes: mapping for climate resilience, activating youth leadership, and promoting equity and inclusion. I chose mapping for climate resilience, recognizing the urgent global need to address climate change and its effects on people and the environment. I was eager to explore how mapping technology could contribute to building climate resilience.
After reading the Terms of Participation document, I confirmed my acceptance via email. By mid-September, I received a “welcome message” from YouthMappers with detailed instructions about the next steps: announcements, communications, travel logistics, and visa arrangements. I also got to know the SUMMIT PLANNING TEAM and the 2023 cohort of Leadership Fellows. Among them, I discovered two other participants from Nepal, and I connected with one of them on social media, forming a friendship.
The visa process proved challenging as Nepal doesn’t have a Jamaican Embassy. I learned that the Jamaican High Commission is in New Delhi, India. In October, I traveled to New Delhi, gathered information from the minister counselor, and returned to Kathmandu to begin the process. With my passport ready, my fellow participant and I couriered the necessary documents to New Delhi. After receiving confirmation that our visas were ready, we retrieved our passports with stamped visas.
As 2022 came to a close and the new year approached, I felt both excitement and nerves about my first international travel. While my companion, who had traveled internationally before, remained calm, I was filled with anticipation for what lay ahead.
Reflecting on the exceptional start to 2023, the journey to Jamaica for the YouthMappers Leadership Fellows Summit was nothing short of transformative. The summit provided incredible learning experiences and allowed me to connect with young, like-minded individuals from around the world. I witnessed how the global mapping community fosters unity and collaboration, empowering local communities through open mapping platforms.
The fellowship revealed that contributing to OpenStreetMap (OSM) transcends the act of mapping—it’s about creating impact, fostering awareness, and building connections. Personally, I find joy in mapping because it takes me beyond the confines of my reality. The summit expanded my perspective and helped me discover new facets of myself.
This platform provided a unique opportunity to share insights, engage with fellow YouthMappers globally, and learn from mentors. It also offered hands-on training in open mapping techniques, sharpening my practical skills and leadership capabilities.
A phrase from the summit resonates deeply with me: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” YouthMappers worldwide are creating lasting impacts in their communities. As YouthMappers, we don’t just build maps; we build mappers.
Empowering Communities Post-Fellowship
After returning from the transformative experience of the YouthMappers Fellowship 2023 in Jamaica, I was inspired and determined to share the knowledge, skills, and inspiration I had gained during the program. This determination led to a series of impactful events and workshops designed to advance open mapping, encourage collaboration, and empower communities through geospatial technologies. Here's a look at one of the exciting training sessions I conducted:
Training at Kathmandu University (March 2023): On March 7, 2023, I had the privilege of conducting a YouthMappers training session at Kathmandu University. This event introduced incoming Geomatics Engineering students to the fascinating world of open mapping. Titled "Exploring the OSM Ecosystem: YouthMappers Training in Mapping and Beyond," the session provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of OpenStreetMap (OSM) and its wide-ranging applications.
The students’ enthusiasm was infectious. By the end of the session, every participant had made their first OSM edits, an accomplishment that filled them with pride and excitement. Witnessing their enthusiasm reaffirmed my commitment to growing the YouthMappers community in Nepal and equipping students with the skills to create meaningful impacts on a global scale.
Mapping Mania 2023 (Sagarmatha Engineering College): Mapping Mania 2023, organized by COESIS and Sagarmatha Engineering College, brought together students and professionals to explore the impact of mapping and geospatial technologies. As a trainer with Er. Sushma Ghimire, I led sessions on sustainable development, hands-on OSM exercises, and community-based mapping projects. The participants’ enthusiasm and eagerness to contribute reinforced the power of collaboration in driving meaningful community change.
ArcGIS Essentials Workshop (Online, January 2024): This two-day online workshop, organized by the YouthMappers Agri Mapper Lamjung Chapter, engaged a diverse group of learners in the fundamentals of GIS. Together with co-trainers Nishan K. Aryal and Lalit BC, we explored the practical uses of ArcGIS in mapping, data organization, and spatial analysis. The workshop covered key areas such as ArcGIS tools and functionalities, real-world applications in agriculture, urban planning, and disaster management, and interactive sessions that emphasized hands-on learning and collaboration. The participants’ enthusiasm, even in a virtual setting, was truly inspiring and reinforced my belief in the potential of geospatial tools to empower a new generation of changemakers.
UAV Workshop (NEPGEOM '24, April 2024): As part of NEPGEOM '24 at Kathmandu University, I trained UAV enthusiasts alongside Er. Sushil Subedi and Er. Aashish Gautam. The workshop combined theory and practical applications of UAV technology, covering drone operation, aerial imagery acquisition, and processing data into 3D models. Participants explored applications in urban planning, disaster management, and environmental monitoring. Their enthusiasm highlighted the event’s success as a platform for innovation and knowledge sharing.
YouthMappers Chapter Installation (August 2024): The YouthMappers Chapter Installation and OSM Toolkit Workshop at Far Western University, facilitated with Nishan Kumar Aryal, marked the establishment of the first YouthMappers chapter in Sudurpashchim State, Nepal. Despite not being selected as a 2023 YouthMappers Ambassador, I remained committed to the mission, collaborating with students, faculty, and the Department of Geomatics to enhance geospatial capacity in the region.
The two-day workshop included training on YouthMappers, OSM tools, hands-on mapping exercises, and insights into disaster preparedness and community resilience. The participants' enthusiasm was inspiring, fulfilling a personal goal I set during my Fellowship application and planting seeds for lasting geospatial innovation in Sudurpashchim.
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Conclusion
At last, mapping is not just about creating digital footprints; it’s so much more. When I first learned about OSM, I never imagined I would continue after initially stopping for a few months. During COVID, I restarted my journey with OpenStreetMap nearly a year later, gradually discovering its purpose and how it helps communities and people worldwide. It brings me joy that even from the confines of a room, my small contributions can make a meaningful difference, serving humanitarian purposes and bringing happiness to those in need.
In today’s data-driven era, your belief in me has been the driving force behind my contributions. Your encouragement has transformed mapping into a tool for positive change—not just in my life, but in the lives of many others.
As a YouthMapper, this journey has been about more than mapping; it’s about building a community of mappers and leaving behind a legacy of collaboration and impact. I am deeply grateful for the shared moments, challenges, and victories. Without your support, this journey would not have been as fulfilling, and the joy of contributing to OpenStreetMap would not have been as profound.
The events I’ve participated in reflect the mission I embraced during the YouthMappers Fellowship 2023: empowering communities, building capacity, and fostering collaboration through geospatial technologies. As I look ahead, I remain committed to expanding open mapping initiatives and nurturing the next generation of mappers in Nepal and beyond. While I was not selected as a 2023 YouthMappers Ambassador, my dedication to the mission never wavered, with milestones like establishing the YouthMappers Chapter at Far Western University serving as a testament to this commitment.
I extend my deepest gratitude to my family, teachers, mentors, friends, seniors, and juniors. Your unwavering support has been the foundation of my journey, filling it with strength and purpose. Thank you—not only for what you have done, but for being the pillars of strength and inspiration that have transformed this journey into a masterpiece of shared effort and triumph.
Author Bio
I’m Ashok Thakulla, a registered geomatics engineer from Nepal and a 2024 United States Embassy Youth Council (USYC) member. I began mapping in 2020 and have since become a leading mapper with over 500 days of contributions. In 2023, I was honored as a YouthMappers Leadership Fellow and received the OSM Mapper of the Year award. Together, let’s continue transforming the world through open mapping.