In an era where accurate data drives impactful decision-making, the Chinhoyi OSM Mapping Project stands as a beacon of how open data can transform urban spaces. Spearheaded by GeoConnect in partnership with the Humanitarian OpenStreetMap – Eastern & Southern Africa Hub (OMH-ESA), this initiative has reshaped how Chinhoyi Municipality approaches open data use and resilience-building.
The Challenge: Outdated Spatial Data
Urban planning, community impact and strategic operations can be hindered by the lack of adequate and accurate spatial data. The lack of reliable up to date data hindered the municipality’s ability to plan effectively, manage infrastructure, and respond to community needs. Recognizing the urgency of bridging this data gap, GeoConnect launched the Chinhoyi OSM Mapping Project to create up-to-date geospatial data accessible to everyone.
Milestones Achieved
From the project’s launch in May to its conclusion, the results have been remarkable. Over 10,000 buildings were mapped, 700 kilometres of roads were covered, and 9,000 amenities were documented. Key areas, including the central business district (CBD) and surrounding suburbs, were meticulously mapped by a dedicated team of 150 remote mapping contributors and 12 field data collectors.
In collaboration with OpenStreetMap Zimbabwe, participants were trained to use mapping tools such as ID-Editor and JOSM. These efforts culminated in 48,000 total remote maping edits, reflecting a comprehensive and collaborative mapping initiative.
Figure 2. Showing areas mapped through the field deployments in Chinhoyi.
Impact on Urban Planning & Strategic Operations
The project has revolutionized strategic operations in Chinhoyi. With accurate geospatial data now available, the municipality has a reliable foundation for planning infrastructure upgrades, optimizing service delivery, and fostering community resilience. Notably, the municipality’s Engineering Department has already integrated OSM data into its operations, and recommendations to residents for its adoption are underway.
Roads previously unknown to many residents are now recognized and named, fostering a sense of community ownership and engagement. These updates also enhance navigation, making Chinhoyi more accessible to visitors and residents alike.
Community and Stakeholder Involvement
Central to the project’s success was the involvement of diverse stakeholders. The municipality provided crucial support, including authorizations for accessing sensitive areas like prisons and police camps. Residents shared invaluable knowledge about their communities, ensuring the data collected was both accurate and representative.
Training sessions also played a significant role. Over 150 participants, many of whom were new to mapping, gained skills that empower them to contribute to future geospatial initiatives. This capacity building has sparked interest among youths and women, laying the groundwork for long-term community engagement.
Building Resilience Through Data
Beyond urban and strategic planning, the project underscores the transformative power of open data in fostering resilience. Accurate maps enable municipalities to respond effectively to emergencies, plan disaster risk reduction measures, and allocate resources efficiently.
A Model for the Future
The Chinhoyi OSM Mapping Project offers a replicable model for other urban center’s and municipalities facing similar challenges. By leveraging open data, collaborative mapping, and community engagement, cities can overcome the limitations of outdated spatial information and move toward more inclusive and effective planning.
As GeoConnect looks to the future, the success of this project serves as a powerful reminder that when communities come together to share knowledge and tools, they lay the foundation for sustainable and resilient urban development.
The Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team Eastern & Southern Africa [OMH-ESA] is a regional collaboration led by the Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team [HOT], a Non-Governmental organization that sits at the forefront of participatory mapping, community-led development, humanitarian response, open data, and open technology. Our mission is to advocate for and actively facilitate the creation, utilization, and widespread dissemination of high-quality open map data communities across 20+ countries in Eastern & Southern Africa. Find out more at here.