YouthMappers at IRS, Jahangirnagar University: Champions of Geospatial Excellence at State of the Map Asia 2024

I am proud to share that our YouthMappers team from the Institute of Remote Sensing (IRS), Jahangirnagar University Chapter, participated in the prestigious State of the Map Asia 2024 conference, held on November 30 and December 1, 2024, in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. The event also included co-events such as the State of the Map Bangladesh 2024, the YouthMappers Bangladesh Summit 2024, and the HOT Open Summit 2024.

We were represented by a team of 10 enthusiastic members who actively engaged in various segments of the conference. It was an incredible platform to share knowledge, showcase our innovative projects, and collaborate with experts in GIS, remote sensing, and mapping.

The conference began with an inspiring keynote speech by our advisor, Professor Dr. M. Nazrul Islam, Director of the Institute of Remote Sensing and GIS (IRS) at Jahangirnagar University. His address set the tone for the event, emphasizing the transformative potential of geospatial technology in tackling global challenges such as climate change, disaster management, and sustainable development. He also highlighted the critical role of young geospatial leaders like us in shaping a resilient and sustainable future.

The journey of our YouthMappers chapter began in October 2017, with the aim of fostering geospatial skill development and promoting open-source mapping among students and young professionals. Through workshops, mapathons, GIS Day celebrations, and an international conference, we have empowered individuals to leverage geospatial technologies to address real-world challenges. I had an opportunity to share our journey at the SOTM 2024 Conference.

• Establishment: Since our founding, we have grown into a vibrant chapter with 63 dedicated members. Our goal has always been to create a platform for youth to engage with geospatial tools and techniques, equipping them to contribute to disaster preparedness, environmental sustainability, and urban planning.

• Programs: Over the years, we have organized impactful programs, including Mapathons for Disaster Risk Assessment to create critical datasets for disaster-prone areas, benefiting local communities and humanitarian organizations. Our AI-driven mapping projects aim to integrate cutting-edge technology into mapping efforts, targeting urban planning and environmental monitoring.

• GeoFOSS Initiatives: The GeoFOSS Research Mastery program trains participants in open-source tools like QGIS, KoboToolbox, and OpenStreetMap, with a strong focus on practical applications in areas such as flood mapping, urban resilience, and public health. This program benefits students, researchers, and professionals by providing them with the skills needed to tackle pressing societal challenges using free and open-source tools.

• YouthMappers Conference: On January 26, 2024, we hosted the YouthMappers Conference on Geospatial Technology in Action, which brought together over 87 research papers from 17 universities. This event, focusing on themes such as FOSS4G for Smart Bangladesh and Climate Change, aimed to build a collaborative platform for young researchers to share their findings and solutions, fostering innovation in geospatial applications.

• GIS Day 2024: Our "Building Geospatial Skills" workshop, conducted on GIS Day 2024, attracted 40 students from diverse academic disciplines. The program aimed to provide hands-on training in QGIS and OpenStreetMap, helping participants understand the practical applications of geospatial technology in solving real-world problems. This initiative particularly benefited students and early-career professionals who were new to GIS.

Through these activities, we have worked toward empowering youth, bridging the gap between theory and practice, and addressing societal challenges with the transformative power of geospatial technology.

One of the conference's standout sessions was the workshop on UAV Basics and Drone Image Analysis with Agisoft Metashape, conducted by our chapter officer, Krishna Prosad Mondal. The session offered a comprehensive introduction to UAV technology, covering fundamental concepts, operational procedures, and data processing techniques. Participants were guided through practical applications of drone imagery for mapping and spatial analysis, enabling them to grasp the transformative potential of UAVs in geospatial research. The hands-on nature of the workshop ensured that attendees left with actionable skills, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical implementation.

Our team actively contributed to enriching panel discussions that brought together experts from diverse fields, including GIS, remote sensing, environmental science, and public health. The discussions focused on critical topics such as climatic factors influencing wetland changes, innovative approaches to building resilience against natural hazards using open data and citizen science, and GIS-based decision-making models for enhancing agricultural practices in challenging terrains. Other topics included participatory mapping for public health to combat diseases like malaria, and assessing the accuracy and reliability of data in OpenStreetMap to improve the utility of volunteered geographic information. These sessions highlighted the interdisciplinary potential of geospatial technology to address pressing global challenges.

We celebrated a proud moment when our members Rubayet Bin Abedin, Ummul Khayer Salma, and Jakia Jannat Fabiha earned recognition for their remarkable poster presentation titled "Land Surface Temperature Change Detection in Saint Martin’s Island, Bangladesh: Analyzing Satellite Images from 1990 to 2024." Competing in the ColorYourMaps Poster Competition 2024, Rubayet and his team’s innovative and meticulously crafted poster was ranked among the top five, showcasing their expertise and dedication. This achievement reflects the talent and hard work of our team members, inspiring us to strive for even greater excellence.

YouthMappers Chapter of Asia – 2024

The pinnacle of our journey came when we were honored with the prestigious title of "YouthMappers Chapter Recognition Award of the Year 2024." This award is not just a recognition; it is a celebration of our relentless dedication to advancing geospatial technology and our commitment to fostering community resilience through innovative mapping initiatives.

Winning this award signifies the incredible impact we have made as a team, showcasing our ability to address critical societal challenges with meaningful solutions.

From the very beginning, we have strived to be at the forefront of efforts aimed at disaster risk reduction, sustainable development, and capacity building. Through countless hours of hard work, innovative thinking, and collaboration, we have created a chapter that not only empowers its members but also makes tangible contributions to society. This recognition reflects the strength of our programs, the depth of our research, and the breadth of our collaborations with both national and international organizations.

It is a testament to the unwavering passion, perseverance, and teamwork of every member of our chapter. Each workshop we organized, every mapathon we conducted, and every project we undertook was driven by a shared vision to create positive change. Our efforts have not only enriched our skills and knowledge but also inspired others to see the transformative potential of geospatial technology.

This award motivates us to aim even higher. It fuels our determination to set new benchmarks in the YouthMappers network and beyond, as we continue to innovate, inspire, and create solutions for a sustainable and resilient future. It reminds us that together, we can achieve remarkable milestones and leave a lasting impact on our communities and the world.

This recognition inspires us to aim higher as we continue to advance geospatial technology, foster inclusivity, and address societal challenges through mapping and research. We remain committed to making meaningful contributions to the global YouthMappers community and beyond.

About the Author

Zobaer Rahman is a student in the Department of Geography and Environment at Jahangirnagar University. He currently serves as the President of YouthMappers at IRS, Jahangirnagar University Chapter, and as an OM Guru at the Open Mapping Hub Asia-Pacific.

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