Map data provides government agencies and first responders with critical information to take more informed and locally appropriate action when a disaster or humanitarian crisis hits. The rising impact and scale of humanitarian emergencies on vulnerable populations make the demand for data-driven disaster response even more pressing. As communities and organizations work towards a more resilient future, open map data is critical to understanding populations at risk and enabling the planning of anticipatory actions to enhance emergency preparedness and accelerate relief efforts.

Open mapping supports strategies to mitigate potential climate impacts, enhance community preparedness, and ensure that communities grow in environmentally sustainable ways. Through mapping climate hazards and realities in the communities, local players can contribute towards finding sustainable solutions by filling in data gaps and contributing to long-term community resilience and development. Open mapping helps co-develop solutions and responses, which enables humanitarian, development, and community organizations to take more informed and locally appropriate action.

Map data is invaluable for developing policies to address health disparities, enhance equitable health access, and evaluate the effectiveness of public health programs. When communities actively participate in mapping their own areas, they create detailed maps that help identify gaps and help plan targeted and effective health interventions. Community mapping fosters local ownership and ensures that the data reflects the real needs and realities of the population, ultimately improving the health and well-being of communities globally.

Conflict, persecution, violence, and natural disasters have caused a record 100 million people worldwide to be displaced (UNHCR May 2022). Humanitarian organizations and governments require accurate geospatial data to locate and understand the needs of displaced communities, identify potential risks, enable better coordination and resource allocation, and ensure that assistance reaches those who need it most. Open mapping helps us co-develop understanding together, which enables humanitarian, development, and community organizations to take more informed and locally appropriate action.

By identifying and addressing gender-specific gaps, open maps provide a more nuanced understanding of how resources, services, and vulnerabilities are distributed across different genders within communities, ensuring an inclusive approach and community ownership in the open mapping process. HOT is committed to fostering inclusivity, and by involving women in mapping initiatives we ensure women and girls prioritize their needs, enabling targeted and effective interventions to promote gender equity and inclusion.