WaterwayMap.org displays how waterways in OpenStreetMap (OSM) are connected, helping mappers find and fix tagging mistakes. The site maintains a river database based entirely on OSM data and is used as a reference source by entities like Wikipedia. The grant covers approximately one year of web hosting costs for this service. (Read more.)
Map Review Team
The Map Review Team project supports teams of mappers in collaboratively reviewing changes to the map within a specific geographical area. Its grant will support integrating with existing OSM tools and APIs, such as WhoDidIt and OSM Notes, to gather event data. A key feature is the introduction of an “approval” status, allowing teams to focus their efforts on changes that have not yet been reviewed by another team member. (Read more.)
Field Tasking Manager
HOT (Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team) will use their grant to enhance their Field Tasking Manager (FieldTM) tool. Their development focuses on improving OSM integration by creating compatible survey forms and developing a robust conflation workflow to merge field-verified data with existing OSM data. The plan includes partnering with a local OSM community/university chapter in a priority country to test the tool and field-verify a city’s data. (Read more)
UseOSM
Developed by the Unpatterned Lab team, UseOSM hels discover unused opportunities in OSM data. Its platform is live at useosm.org but is not fully operational. The launch is projected to be in January 2026. (Read more)
OSM Apps Catalog
The OSM Apps Catalog helps people discover apps that use OpenStreetMap. The grant will be used to redesign the landing page to look more like an app store, including: What’s new, daily featured apps; Language support; new categories and improved search; and a support/donate (to apps accessed) function. View the current platform at osm-apps.org. (Read more.)
StreetComplete
The StreetComplete team will use the grant to help encourage users to be more involved in the OSM community. They are working on ways to notify about nearby community events, list local community channels, and integrate Weekly OSM news. (Read more)
OpenStreetMap Stats Generator
OpenStreetMap Stats Generator reports stats about user contributions in mapping campaigns. They will use the grant to revamp the project after some years of not being maintained. The’ll move from Planet files to Parquet and are targeting SotM 2026 for the working version release. (Read More)
Following the call for applications launched in April, we are thrilled to announce the results of the State of the Map 2025 Travel Grant Programme. This initiative aims to support contributors who may face challenges in attending the global OpenStreetMap conference, which will be held in Manila, Philippines, from October 3rd to 5th, 2025.
The Travel Grant Programme is a part of the OpenStreetMap Foundation’s ongoing commitment to making State of the Map more inclusive, diverse, and globally representative. By providing financial assistance, the programme enables community members from various regions and backgrounds to participate in the conference, both in person and online.
This year’s call for applications received an extraordinary response, with over 180 applications submitted by mappers and community members from more than 35 countries. The majority of applicants hailed from Asia and Africa. Notably, approximately 78% of all applicants were students or early-career mappers. However, only about one-third of the applicants identified as female. Furthermore, over 80% of the applicants had never attended a State of the Map event before. These figures underscore the ongoing success of the Travel Grant Programme in reaching new and emerging OpenStreetMap communities, particularly in the Global South.
Applicants represented a wide spectrum of mapping experience within the OpenStreetMap ecosystem. For example, using one of the multiple selection criteria (the number of changesets), we could see the wide spectrum of OSM mappers who applied to the call. Around 20% of applicants were new or had minimal mapping experience (fewer than 10 changesets), while approximately 30% were in the intermediate range (100–2000 changesets), showing consistent engagement and growing contributions. Notably, nearly one in four applicants were highly active mappers with more than 2,000 changesets, demonstrating deep, ongoing involvement in OSM projects. Overall, the applicant pool combined new contributors eager to join the global community with experienced mappers making strong local impacts, reflecting the programme’s success in attracting a balanced mix of experience levels.
After careful evaluation, 37 grantees were selected to receive support for travel and participation. However, only 25 of them were able to attend the event in Manila. The selected applicants represent a diverse range of grant categories, from £215 to £1000. The allocation of funds was based on factors such as the distance traveled, regional cost levels, and individual circumstances.
Grant category
Number of recipients
Origin countries
£215
8
Philippines (outside Metro Manila), Indonesia
£675
7
Nepal, Bangladesh, India
£750
3
Poland, Canada, Portugal
£1000
6
Uganda, Tanzania, Ghana, Rwanda
Online support
9
Various countries
The selection criteria employed in the call successfully achieved the objective of increasing the diversity of participants at SotM. A total of 17 female and 16 male grantees attended, resulting in a nearly gender-balanced group. Notably, there was strong representation of women within the OpenStreetMap community. Furthermore, 90% of the grantees hailed from Africa and Asia, underscoring the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to equitable global participation.
The diversity of applicants and grantees reflects the remarkable progress made by the OpenStreetMap community in expanding access to global events. Thanks to the Travel Grant Programme, many first-time attendees will now have the opportunity to share their experiences, projects, and local insights with the global OSM community in Manila.
The OSM Foundation and the State of the Map organizing team warmly thanks all applicants, reviewers, and sponsors whose support made this year’s programme possible. We look forward to welcoming everyone to State of the Map 2026 in Paris!
The State of the Map conference is the annual, international conference of OpenStreetMap, organised by the OpenStreetMap Foundation. The OpenStreetMap Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation, formed to support the OpenStreetMap Project. It is dedicated to encouraging the growth, development and distribution of free geospatial data for anyone to use and share. The OpenStreetMap Foundation owns and maintains the infrastructure of the OpenStreetMap project, is financially supported by membership fees and donations, and organises the annual, international State of the Map conference. Our volunteer Working Groups and small core staff work to support the OpenStreetMap project. Join the OpenStreetMap Foundation for just £15 a year or for free if you are an active OpenStreetMap contributor.
OpenStreetMap was founded in 2004 and is an international project to create a free map of the world. To do so, we, thousands of volunteers, collect data about roads, railways, rivers, forests, buildings and a lot more worldwide. Our map data can be downloaded for free by everyone and used for any purpose – including commercial usage. It is possible to produce your own maps which highlight certain features, to calculate routes etc. OpenStreetMap is increasingly used when one needs maps which can be very quickly, or easily, updated.
Do you want to translate this and other blogposts in your language? Please email communication@osmfoundation.org with subject: Helping with translations in [your language]
Having hosted the Olympic Games, Paris is now preparing to welcome another international gathering centered on community, openness, and diversity. Like the sporting disciplines themselves, OpenStreetMap’s mapping covers a multitude of themes and territories. Nature and hiking enthusiasts will find a space for expression there, as well as professionals in the field of geographic data.
Join us in Paris from August 28th to 30th, 2026, for State of the Map!
This annual gathering brings together OpenStreetMap volunteers, professionals, and enthusiasts to share knowledge, showcase innovations, and highlight the impact of open mapping.
Whether you’re a seasoned contributor, a curious newcomer, or a professional in the field, SotM 2026 is a chance for you to connect with the global community, learn about the latest developments, and contribute to the growth of OpenStreetMap. Mark your calendars and be part of this extraordinary event!
Save the date! Stay tuned via our website, 2026.stateofthemap.org for more updates on speakers, agenda, ticketing, and how to get involved as the event draws closer.
The State of the Map conference is the annual, international conference of OpenStreetMap, organised by the OpenStreetMap Foundation. The OpenStreetMap Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation, formed to support the OpenStreetMap Project. It is dedicated to encouraging the growth, development and distribution of free geospatial data for anyone to use and share. The OpenStreetMap Foundation owns and maintains the infrastructure of the OpenStreetMap project, is financially supported by membership fees and donations, and organises the annual, international State of the Map conference. Our volunteer Working Groups and small core staff work to support the OpenStreetMap project. Join the OpenStreetMap Foundation for just £15 a year or for free if you are an active OpenStreetMap contributor.
OpenStreetMap was founded in 2004 and is an international project to create a free map of the world. To do so, we, thousands of volunteers, collect data about roads, railways, rivers, forests, buildings and a lot more worldwide. Our map data can be downloaded for free by everyone and used for any purpose – including commercial usage. It is possible to produce your own maps which highlight certain features, to calculate routes etc. OpenStreetMap is increasingly used when one needs maps which can be very quickly, or easily, updated.
Do you want to translate this and other blogposts in your language? Please email communication@osmfoundation.org with subject: Helping with translations in [your language]
