Kriti Activities

Mapping Your Neighborhood Story with OpenStreetMap

Kriti Activities -

This activity combines exploring local places with digital mapping using OpenStreetMap, a free, collaborative mapping platform. Participants share the story of their neighborhood through a physical map, add photos and QR codes to highlight different spots, and uncover places missing on digital maps through collaboration. It blends hands-on creativity with digital tools to bring the community’s story to life.

OpenStreetMap
OpenStreetMap is a map of the world, created by people like you and free to use under an open license.
OpenStreetMap

Activity Goals

  • Learn how to map your neighborhood.
  • Use OpenStreetMap (OSM) to edit maps together.
  • Share stories about local places.
  • Link real places to digital information using QR codes.
  • Work in groups and have fun exploring your community.

Activity Resources

mapping-your-neighborhood-story-with-openstreetmap
Mapping Your Neighborhood Story with OpenStreetMap This activity combines exploring local places with digital mapping using OpenStreetMap, a free, collaborative mapping platform. Participants share the story of their neighborhood through a physical map, add photos and QR codes to highlight differ...
Google Docs
mapping-the-story-of-a-neighborhood-activity.MOV
Google Docs

Materials

  • Large printed map from OpenStreetMap (about 20" x 30").
  • Upcycled materials like cardboard, bottle caps, and LEGO.
  • Red pin markers (made with software or by hand).
  • Small printed photos of neighborhood places.
  • QR code tools: QRCode Monkey and QRpedia.
  • Scissors, glue, tape, and markers.

Age Groups

  • Ages 8 and above

Facilitation Tips

  • Discuss how maps were used in the past and how they help us today, for example, by tracking animal migrations or studying climate change. Show how modern mapping techniques help us see and understand more about our world, from space to the ocean floor. Use this National Geographic resource.
  • Let kids work together and share what they know about maps from games and travel.
  • Talk about why OpenStreetMap is different from Google Maps, why it’s useful for learning and community projects, and how to use it to add missing places. Use this Teach OSM resource.
Mapping the Stories of Our Planet
“Hasn’t the world already been mapped?” Not true! Especially if you ask National Geographic cartographer Debbie Gibbons. We are constantly finding new places and exploring new territory. What we map is constantly changing. You can map populations, transportation systems, forest coverage, and more. W…

Inspiring Inventors

Arun Ganesh — Learn how Arun Ganesh is changing how India is mapped.

From Bus Routes to Flooded Streets, This Man Has Been Making Free Maps for Citizens for Over 10 Years
Little wonder he is called the ‘Map Man of India’!
Sanchari PalThe Better India

Anaximander of Miletus — Discover how the ancient Greek philosopher took the first step in mapping the world over 2500 years ago: Read more here Britannica.

Inspiring Examples

OpenStreetMap (OSM) is a free, collaborative, open-source mapping platform that allows anyone to create, edit, and share maps.  It is built and constantly updated by a global community of volunteers from all over the world who work together to add places like streets, parks, and buildings to make the map more accurate. It's like a big community project where everyone can share what they know about their neighborhoods, and anyone can use the map for free!

Contributors

Alex Leigh and Team4Tech

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Committed to corporate social impact in education? See how Team4Tech’s nonprofit impact accelerator programs and skilled volunteers can help!
Team4Tech