An interesting new, OSM initiative has been created to help support and grow the local OpenStreetMap Community in Haiti – Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team [H.O.T.] is a new initiative to apply the principles and activities of open source and open data sharing towards humanitarian response and economic development.
From the organization, “COSMHA, or Comunite OpenStreetMap de Haiti, was formed in late 2010 by a group of mappers from Port au Prince with the goal of ensuring that the best map data for Haiti is created by Haitians and available to anyone to use and improve”.
COSMHA’s current work centers around creating maps that will assist the cholera response. Teams have been active around the country, collecting data on cholera treatment facilities and water and sanitation infrastructure. Mappers ride motorbikes, walk, and take tap taps to reach remote areas.
In the next six months, COSMHA hopes to expand it’s activities and membership to include the majority of the country.
Image Credit: COSMHA, or Comunite OpenStreetMap de Hait
See http://hot.openstreetmap.org