Cox’s Bazar, the breathtaking coastal city of Bangladesh, recently hosted the State of the Map Asia 2024 conference. For me, as an enthusiastic mapper, participating in this event was nothing short of a dream come true.

From the moment I entered the venue, I could feel the vibrant energy of the OSM community. The conference brought together passionate mappers, developers, and humanitarian workers, all united by their dedication to open geospatial data. The diversity among attendees—ranging from seasoned experts to curious newcomers—was a testament to how OSM truly belongs to everyone.

The talks, presentations, and workshops stood out as the heart of the event. Participants shared innovative ideas and showcased how OSM is addressing a wide array of societal challenges. These stories of success, coupled with best practices from various communities, highlighted the platform’s versatility and its potential for driving meaningful change.

Equally inspiring were the contributions of the sponsors, who not only supported the conference but also offered valuable insights into how OSM is applied in diverse industries. Their perspectives reinforced the idea that OSM is not just for mappers—it’s a tool for anyone aiming to understand and improve the world.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the conference was connecting with people from across Asia. Despite being an introvert, the friendly and inclusive atmosphere encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and embrace the sense of community. Every conversation, whether formal or casual, enriched my understanding and reinforced that OSM is as much about collaboration as it is about mapping.

A highlight of the event was the Open Mapping Guru Dinner, an evening filled with meaningful interactions, shared experiences, and celebrations of the collaborative OSM spirit. It was a perfect reminder of how strong and inspiring the global OSM community truly is.

Representing YouthMappers, University of Dhaka was a proud and fulfilling moment. As the chapter president, I had the chance to showcase our initiatives, connect with like-minded individuals, and learn from others. This experience allowed me to grow further as a mapper, leader, and advocate for open data.

Beyond the conference, exploring Cox’s Bazar added an unforgettable dimension to my experience. Known for its stunning 120 km beach, the city offered a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. From the scenic views of the Bay of Bengal to the lively local markets, every moment spent there deepened my appreciation for the region’s heritage and resilience.

Acknowledgments

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the State of the Map Asia 2024 organizing committee for hosting such a well-structured and inclusive event. Special thanks to Sawan Shariar and Amena Rashid Bania for inspiring me and the YouthMappersDU Chapter members to participate in the SOTMA 2024.

A sincere thank you to Mikko Tamura, Honey Grace Fombuena, and Harry Mahardhika Machmud for organizing the wonderful Open Mapping Guru Dinner. Your efforts in arranging this memorable event created an incredible space for connection, learning, and celebration.

A special thanks to my fellow YouthMappersDU members for their unwavering support and camaraderie throughout this journey. Your enthusiasm, dedication, and shared passion for open mapping made this experience even more memorable.

State of the Map Asia 2024 reminded me that mapping is more than just adding points and polygons to a map—it’s about connecting with people, solving real-world problems, and building a community. As I return to Dhaka, I’m filled with ideas to implement back home. From expanding our YouthMappers initiatives to collaborating on regional projects, the possibilities seem endless.