Empowering Students Through Humanitarian Mapping and Open Geospatial Data

Across the globe, university students are stepping into meaningful roles within the geospatial community. Through YouthMappers, they are applying mapping technologies to real-world challenges, transforming academic knowledge ino measurable social impact. This international university consortium connects campuses worldwide in a shared mission: strengthening resilience and supporting development through open geographic data.

The urgency of such work becomes clear during major disasters. When a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck southeastern Turkiye, followed by a powerful 7.5 magnitude aftershock affecting northwest Syria, communities faced widespread destruction. In situations like these, accurate, up-to-date geospatial information becomes indispensable. Rapid mapping efforts support emergency response teams, guide humanitarian relief, and help local authorities coordinate recovery operations. YouthMappers chapters and affiliated volunteers contribute to these efforts by producing and refining open data that can be immediately used by responders on the ground.

At its core, YouthMappers operates as a global network of learners, researchers, educators, and academic institutions committed to collaborative mapping. Students work alongside faculty advisors in the United States and across developing regions, building datasets that address challenges defined at the local level. Rather than imposing external solutions, the consortium emphasizes community-driven priorities—ensuring that mapping initiatives align with actual development needs.

Participation extends beyond crisis response. Chapters engage in projects related to public health, infrastructure planning, environmental monitoring, and sustainable development. By creating and maintaining open geographic datasets, members contribute to long-term capacity building within their regions. This approach strengthens both technical skills and civic engagement among students.

This upcoming webinar provides an in-depth introduction to the humanitarian mapping ecosystem. Attendees will explore the digital platforms and collaborative tools that enable volunteers to map roads, buildings, health facilities, and other critical infrastructure in vulnerable areas. The session will also highlight completed projects that demonstrate the measurable impact of YouthMappers’ global work. For those interested in becoming involved, detailed guidance will be offered on how universities and students can establish or join a YouthMappers chapter.

The event features experienced leaders in geospatial education and outreach. Dr. Patricia Solis, representing YouthMappers and Arizona State University, brings extensive expertise in geospatial capacity building and international collaboration. She will be joined by Dr. Thomas Mueller, Professor at California University of Pennsylvania and Adjunct Professor at Northeastern University, whose academic and professional background spans geospatial science and higher education engagement.

For students, faculty members, and institutions seeking to connect geospatial technology with meaningful global action, this session offers both inspiration and practical direction. YouthMappers demonstrates how academic communities can mobilize open data, technical skills, and collaborative networks to advance resilience and sustainable development worldwide.