Crowdsourced Validation and Updating of Dynamic Features in Open Street Map: an Analysis of Shelter Mapping After the 2015 Nepal Earthquake

Anhorn, J., Herfort, B. and Porto de Albuquerque, J. (2016) Crowdsourced Validation and Updating of Dynamic Features in Open Street Map: an Analysis of Shelter Mapping After the 2015 Nepal Earthquake. In: 13th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (ISCRAM 2016), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 22-25 May 2016, ISBN 9788460879848

Abstract

The paper presents results from a validation process of OpenStreetMap (OSM) rapid mapping activities using crowdsourcing technology in the aftermath of the Gorkha earthquake 2015 in Nepal. We present a framework and tool to iteratively validate and update OSM objects. Two main objectives are addressed: first, analyzing the accuracy of the volunteered geographic information (VGI) generated by the OSM community; second, investigating the spatio-temporal dynamics of spontaneous shelter camps in Kathmandu. Results from three independent validation iterations show that only 10 % of the OSM objects are false positives (no shelter camps). Unexpectedly, previous mapping experience only had a minor influence on mapping accuracy. The results further show that it is critical to monitor the temporal dynamics. Out of 4,893 identified shelter camps, 54% were already empty/closed six days after the first mapping. So far, updating geographical features during humanitarian crisis is not properly addressed by the existing crowdsourcing approaches.

• Item Type: Conference Proceedings
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Porto de Albuquerque, Professor Joao
• Authors: Anhorn, J., Herfort, B., and Porto de Albuquerque, J.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Urban Studies
• ISSN: 2411-3387
• ISBN: 9788460879848