This is a diary about a recent drone mapping initiative that I participated in. I would like to give credits to the Open Mapping Hub - West and North Africa, OpenStreetMap Sierra Leone, Pete Masters and Ivan Gayton for all the support and knowledge given during the course of this initiative. I hope to learn more as we continue collaborating.

Purpose

The use of satellite imagery from multiple sources has been a pivotal aspect of open mapping campaigns across the world. However, satellite imageries have some limitations, such as low resolutions and delayed visitation time. This affects the quality of the digitization of physical features that are to be mapped. In order to address these limitations in open mapping campaigns, the use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems such as drones have been employed to capture images with high resolutions within desired timeframe.

Scope

With support from the West and North Africa Hub through the Mwalai microgrant, OpenStreetMap Sierra Leone embarked on the collection and processing of drone imageries in three slums across Freetown as part of the Know Your City initiative. The imageries would be used to map buildings and critical infrastructure, test the fAIr model and Field Mapping Tasking Manager.

Technical Specifications/Parameters

In order to have high resolution imagery, the team used a DJI Mavic 2 Zoom drone for the flights and Open Drone Map for the image processing. A smartphone-based flight planning and control application was used to conduct flights with specific elevation, overlap, and angle settings, allowing the operators to ensure consistent resolution, quality, and coverage across the areas of interest.

Flights were conducted above slums with dense buildings, therefore, flight settings with paths and gimbal angles that captured the top and sides of buildings and other infrastructure. The team used the following flight settings. 70% Frontal Overlap 80% Side Overlap -75 degrees Gimbal Angle

Processing

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Being at the State of The Map 2017, in Aizu-Wakamatsu, Japan was an unforgettable experience for me. I didn’t only learn new skills and gained ideas, I also met great people with the enthusiast to build their local communities, make our world a better place and a navigable one. Upon arrival, getting acquainted with each other was a walk over, this was possible because we all spoke a common language which is “Maps and Development”. The welcome address and opening remarks from the host and organisers were very warm and assured all participants of having a pleasant and exciting stay, which I’m quite sure all in attendance had. There were up to 50 sessions, all with extraordinary speakers and presenters, i will always appreciate those sessions, they equipped me with new ideas, skills and knowledge to showcase, share and implement in my community. To say we had fun might be an understatement because we had way more than that, the social event was awesome, we had great meals and a first class showcase of Japanese culture and music, I can still hear the drums roaring. The awards were well deserved, it is evident they have prompted non recipients to work hard and become awardees in the future. The conference was thrilling from the start to the last session. At the end of the conference, saying goodbye to each other was a bitter pill to swallow, the bonds were very great, good relationships were established and parting ways was saddening. But with technology I’m sure these bonds will remain strong and facilitate the growth of robust networks of mapping and development communities. Attending the State Of The Map was a great opportunity for me, it has made me 10 more times eager, equipped and development oriented to build my community and make is friendly for all. I appreciate all and sundry. I hope to see all in the near future.

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