HOT – Open Mapping Hub (Asia- Pacific)

In many parts of the world, a map literally does not exist. Traditional closed mapping technologies are often insufficient or non-existent, making it challenging to identify where people live, location of critical infrastructure, and where emergency resources should be deployed during a crisis.


The lack of accurate and up-to-date maps and data can have devastating consequences, particularly for vulnerable populations. Responders may not have the information they need to coordinate an effective response, leading to delays, confusion, and unnecessary loss of life. Likewise, community members may not have access to lifesaving information, such as health service delivery, distributions, and contact information.


Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (HOT)’s Regional Hub in the Asia-Pacific provides open-source technologies and empowers local communities to create and maintain their own maps, which can be used for community planning, gender inclusivity, public health initiatives, and sustainable development. By increasing local communities' capacity to generate map data themselves, we ensure that their needs are centered in humanitarian actions and that they have equal access to services.