What to map in the field?

Fig 2: From data to information

Field mapping is the process of collecting geospatial data from the actual location to create more detailed and accurate maps with new information. To help secondary school teachers understand the main concepts and methodology of field mapping, we will break down the process into several key components:

Field Mapping Concepts and Methodology to Secondary School Teachers

• Field Mapping Objectives:

  Begin by explaining the importance of field mapping in capturing accurate and up-to-date information that may not be available or visible through satellite imagery alone. Field mapping can be used to add new features, update existing data, and verify the accuracy of the map. Proper objectives for the topic could come from Problem statement methodology.

• Preparation:

  Prior to conducting field mapping, teachers should plan the area to be mapped, establish goals, and determine the required tools and resources. Some common tools used in field mapping include smartphones, paper maps, and field mapping applications.

• Smartphone Mapping Applications:

  Introduce various smartphone mapping applications that can be used for field mapping, such as Go Map!!, Vespucci, StreetComplete, MapComplete, Mapillary, etc. Demonstrate how these tools can be used to collect data, add new features, and edit existing information on the OpenStreetMap platform.

• Field Data Collection:

  Teach the various methods of collecting data in the field, such as taking notes, making sketches, capturing photographs, and using smartphone mapping applications to collect spatial data (various attributes). Emphasize the importance of accurate and consistent data collection.

• Data Validation:

  Explain the importance of validating the collected data to ensure its accuracy and completeness. This can be done through cross-referencing with other sources, reviewing and comparing data with peers, or using quality assurance tools within the OpenStreetMap ecosystem.

Before we begin the exercise, we have listed potential objects for future mapping below. OpenStreetMap provides a flexible platform for mapping various objects that can be useful for climate change analysis. These objects can be classified into basic, intermediate, and advanced categories based on their complexity and the level of detail required for mapping. Here are some examples of objects in each category:

Basic Objects:

• Land use: Mapping land use categories such as residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, and green spaces helps in understanding the distribution of urban heat islands and other climate-related risks. We can map type of vegetation or crops; land management practices; land cover quality, etc.

  • Key: landuse

    • Tags: landuse=residential, landuse=commercial, landuse=industrial, landuse=agricultural, landuse=greenfield

Tag:landuse=residential

• Water bodies: Mapping rivers, lakes, ponds, and other water bodies provides insights into water availability, flood risks, and potential areas for natural cooling. We can map water quality indicators (e.g., presence of algae or pollutants); flow rate and direction; bank conditions and stability, etc.

  • Key: natural

    • Tags: natural=water, water=river, water=lake, water=pond

• Trees: Mapping individual trees and groups of trees helps in understanding their role in temperature regulation, shades imapct or humidity retention. We can map tree species; tree age; tree height; health condition, etc.

  • Key: natural

    • Tags: natural=tree Additional attributes: species=* (e.g., species=Quercus_robur), height=, age=, health=*

Intermediate Objects:

• Urban green infrastructure: Mapping elements such as parks, gardens, green roofs, and green walls provides information on the availability and distribution of green spaces that can help mitigate climate change impacts in urban areas. We can map types of vegetation in parks and gardens; green roof/wall installation details (e.g., depth of substrate, plant species); accessibility and usage patterns, etc.

  • Key: leisure

    • Tags: leisure=park, leisure=garden

    • Additional attributes for green roofs/walls: roof:material=green_roof, wall:material=green_wall

• Drainage systems: Mapping stormwater drains, culverts, and retention basins can help assess the capacity of urban areas to manage flooding and heavy rainfall events. We can map material and condition of stormwater drains and culverts; blockages or damage; maintenance practices , etc.

  • Key: man_made

    • Tags: man_made=drain, man_made=culvert

    • Additional attributes: material=, diameter=, condition=*

• Coastal infrastructure: Mapping sea walls, dikes, and other coastal protection structures can help identify areas at risk from sea-level rise and storm surges. We can map construction materials and techniques; condition and age of structures; vulnerability to erosion or storm damage, etc.

  • Key: man_made

    • Tags: man_made=dyke, man_made=seawall

Advanced Objects:

• Climate adaptation measures: Mapping elements such as flood barriers, heat-resistant pavements, and tree planting initiatives can help assess the effectiveness of various climate adaptation strategies. We can map type and effectiveness of flood barriers; heat-resistant pavement materials and installation techniques; tree planting initiatives (e.g., species, planting density, maintenance practices), etc.

  • Key: barrier,

    • Tags: barrier=flood_control

  • Key: surface,

    • Tags: surface=heat_resistant (note: this is not a standard tag, but can be used for custom mapping)

  • Key: landuse,

    • Tags: landuse=forest, landuse=orchard

• Vulnerable populations and infrastructure: Mapping the locations of vulnerable populations (e.g., elderly, low-income, poor and segregated populations) and critical infrastructure (e.g., hospitals, emergency shelters) can help identify areas at higher risk from climate change impacts and inform targeted adaptation measures. We can map accessibility and capacity of emergency shelters; condition and resilience of critical infrastructure; support, services and resources available for vulnerable populations, etc.

  • Key: social_facility,

    • Tags: social_facility=, social_facility:for=

  • Key: amenity,

    • Tags: amenity=shelter, shelter_type=emergency

  • Key: amenity,

    • Tags: amenity=hospital, amenity=school, amenity=fire_station

• Renewable energy infrastructure: Mapping solar panels, wind turbines, and other renewable energy sources can provide insights into the potential for clean energy generation and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We can map installation details (e.g., capacity, orientation, age); type and model of equipment; maintenance history, etc.

  • Key: power

    • Tags: power=generator

    • Additional attributes: generator:source=solar, generator:source=wind, generator:output=* (e.g., generator:output:electricity)

Remember that OpenStreetMap is a flexible platform, and additional keys and tags can be used or created as needed to represent specific attributes or objects. Always consult the OSM wiki for guidelines and best practices when mapping and tagging objects.

Browse the wiki pages for better understanding of map features:

• Map features – a list of accepted tags grouped by key meaning.

• Taginfo – an site to explore current tag usage in the OSM database, including tag values that are not necessarily documented (but it includes links to this wiki if there is a documentation for a tag)

• TagFinder – Website providing full text search engine for OSM tags. (Also webservices available).