YouthMappers: Advancing Mapping for Resilience Across Universities
Across the globe, university students are using geospatial technology to confront real-world development challenges. YouthMappers brings together a dynamic international consortium of learners, educators, and researchers committed to producing and applying open geographic data in support of locally defined needs. Through collaboration and shared expertise, the initiative strengthens both technical capacity and community resilience.
This webinar introduces the mission and impact of YouthMappers, highlighting how academic institutions in the United States and in developing nations are participating in an expanding network focused on Mapping for Resilience.
Building Skills Through Humanitarian Mapping Tools
Humanitarian mapping relies on accessible, open technologies that allow contributors to collect, edit, validate, and publish geographic data. Participants in this session will explore the digital platforms and workflows commonly used in crisis response, infrastructure planning, environmental monitoring, and community development initiatives.
By mastering these tools, students gain practical geospatial competencies while contributing meaningful data that supports decision-making in vulnerable regions. The integration of open data principles ensures that outputs remain widely usable and adaptable.
Demonstrating Impact Through Student-Led Projects
YouthMappers chapters have completed projects addressing diverse challenges, from disaster preparedness to public health and urban planning. Students collaborate with local stakeholders to define priorities, ensuring that mapping efforts respond to genuine community needs rather than externally imposed agendas.
The webinar showcases examples of completed initiatives, illustrating how geospatial analysis and data collection can drive measurable improvements. These projects not only produce valuable datasets but also cultivate leadership, technical expertise, and cross-cultural collaboration among participants.
Joining the YouthMappers Network
Universities interested in strengthening geospatial engagement can learn how to establish or join a YouthMappers chapter. The consortium supports faculty advisors and student leaders with training resources, global partnerships, and opportunities for research and field engagement.
Membership connects institutions to a worldwide academic network dedicated to open geographic data and sustainable development. Participation encourages interdisciplinary collaboration while expanding access to professional growth opportunities for students.
Speakers
Dr. Patricia Solis
YouthMappers and Arizona State University
Dr. Thomas Mueller
Professor, California University of Pennsylvania
Adjunct Professor, Northeastern University
Together, the speakers provide insight into how YouthMappers cultivates global collaboration, advances humanitarian mapping, and empowers the next generation of geospatial leaders.
