Introduction

During the COVID-19 pandemic, like many others, I found myself immersed in online classes and scrolling through social media during breaks. One day, I stumbled across OpenStreetMap (OSM), and my journey with this incredible platform began out of sheer curiosity. Little did I know that this discovery would eventually lead me to the State of the Map Asia 2024 conference—my first-ever conference application. I cannot express the joy I felt when both my presentation and I were selected to be part of this esteemed event. Though I received only a partial scholarship, I was determined to make it to Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. Traveling from Nepal, we were a group of four. I had already booked my flight, which departed from Delhi, while my friends flew directly from Kathmandu.

The Journey to Cox’s Bazar

The journey wasn’t without its challenges. I had a tight three-hour transit in Dhaka to catch my domestic flight to Cox’s Bazar. However, my international flight faced delays, and applying for a visa on arrival meant standing in a long queue. Fearing I might miss my next flight, I humbly requested the visa officer to expedite my process. Time was of the essence, so I couldn’t exchange currency or get a local SIM card. With only minutes to spare, I dashed to the domestic terminal, relieved to find that my domestic flight was also delayed by an hour. I was informed by Sawan Sir that I would meet Hasna Heena and Fazle Rabbi at the airport, which comforted me as they were on the same flight. True to their reputation, the lovely couple warmly welcomed me, helped me exchange currency, and ensured I felt at home upon reaching the hotel.

First Impressions

I reached Cox’s Bazar on November 29, 2024, and was greeted with a mesmerizing view of the sea. Seeing the ocean for the first time was a surreal experience, but the hot weather and conference preparations kept me from enjoying it immediately. At the venue, I met my friends from Nepal and Bangladesh, along with other participants. The atmosphere was vibrant, filled with anticipation for the upcoming sessions.

The Conference Experience

The two-day conference, held from November 30 to December 1, 2024, was packed with insightful presentations and discussions. Nama Raj Budhathoki, from the Open Mapping Hub Asia Pacific, delivered a captivating keynote speech to kick off the event. Topics such as disaster resilience, women’s safety, and UAV basics caught my attention. I particularly enjoyed the session on “From Data to Action: Creating 3D Flood Visualizations with Open Source Tools like OSM and QGIS,” which was both innovative and inspiring.

My Presentation

On the second day, I delivered my presentation titled “Mapping Critical Infrastructures for Disaster Resilience Using OpenStreetMap.” It was my first time speaking at such a prestigious event, and I admit I felt a bit nervous. My presentation focused on the importance of mapping critical infrastructures and its necessity in various scenarios. For instance, during a flood, mapped features enable quick access to safe spaces and evacuation shelters, as well as identifying the safest and shortest routes. Similarly, in unfamiliar locations, having the mapped locations of health facilities can be lifesaving in emergencies, allowing patients to receive timely medical attention. However, as I began speaking.However, seeing Hasna Heena nodding encouragingly from the front row and recognizing familiar faces like Kazi Arifin Jamil among the audience gave me confidence. Their support turned what could have been a nerve-wracking experience into a memorable one.

Beyond the Conference

we had the opportunity to visit the beach, where we savored delicious local seafood alongside friends from various countries. The camaraderie among participants was truly uplifting, and the “OSM Guru Dinner” on the final evening provided a perfect conclusion to the event. During the dinner, we shared our OSM journeys, reflected on the critical role of data validation, and envisioned the future possibilities of open mapping. A heartfelt thanks to Azar, Ibtehal, Nodi, and everyone else who went above and beyond to make us feel welcomed and at home in Bangladesh. This conference was also an opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces like Mikko, Honey, and Harry, whom I had previously met at SLSI and Kathmandu University. The event concluded with awards for poster presentations, Mapper of the Year, and other activities, leaving everyone with a sense of accomplishment and inspiration.

Reflections

State of the Map Asia 2024 was a transformative experience for me. From overcoming travel hurdles to presenting my work on an international platform, this journey has been one of growth and learning. I am grateful for the State of Map Asia team, friends, mentors, and opportunities that OSM has brought into my life. This event not only deepened my understanding of open mapping but also reinforced my commitment to leveraging OSM for community resilience and development.