project managers
This manual is a step by step guide for the project managers on how to get started with the Field Mapping Tasking Manager.
A Mapping Campaign refers to an organized effort of collecting data from a particular geographic area/feature and creating maps. This may involve using various mapping technologies such as; GPS, satellite imagery, or crowdsourced data. These technologies are used to gather information about the area of interest.
Mapping campaigns can be carried out for lots of different purposes, some examples are:
- Disaster Response and Recovery
- Environmental Conservation
- Urban planning or;
- Social and Political Activism.
They often involve collaboration between organizations like; Government Agencies, Non-profit Groups and volunteers.
Once the data is collected, it is analyzed and processed to create detailed maps that can have a variety of use cases. These could be:
- Identifying areas of need.
- Planning infrastructure and development projects.
- Understanding the impact of environmental changes on the landscape, etc.
The Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (HOT) is a non-profit organization that uses open mapping data to support humanitarian and disaster response efforts around the world. The Field Mapping Task Manager (FMTM) is one of the tools that HOT used to coordinate and manage mapping projects.
FMTM is a software tool that helps project managers to organize and manage mapping tasks. It assigns those tasks to volunteers and tracks their progress. The tool includes features for collaborative editing, data validation, and error detection. This ensures that the data collected by volunteers is accurate and reliable.
FMTM is designed to be used in conjunction with Open Data Kit (ODK). ODK is a free and open-source set of tools that allows users to create, collect, and manage data with mobile devices. The ODK provides a set of open-source tools that allow users to build forms, collect data in the field, and aggregate data on a central server. It is commonly used for data collection in research, monitoring and evaluation, and other development projects.
Project managers use FMTM to manage tasks and assign them to volunteers. The data collected by the volunteer via ODK is typically uploaded to OpenStreetMap (OSM) where it is used to create more detailed and accurate maps of the affected area. OSM is a free and open-source map of the world that is created and maintained by volunteers.
Overall, the FMTM tool is an important component of HOT's efforts to support disaster response and humanitarian efforts around the world. By coordinating mapping activities and ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the data collected by volunteers, FMTM helps to provide critical information that can be used to support decision-making and improve the effectiveness of humanitarian efforts.
- Stable Internet connection
- Knowledge on field mapping . If you are new to mapping we suggest you to read this .
- Account on ODK Central Server. Here are the instructions for setting up an ODK Central server on Digital Ocean (it's very similar on AWS etc)
signin.process.1.mp4
project.creation.step.1.2.mp4
project.creation.step.3.mp4
project.creation.step.4.mp4
project.creation.step.5.mp4
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Go to fmtm .
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In the header, you'll find two tabs: Explore Projects and Manage Organization.
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Start by exploring the projects listed by different nations and world communities for field mapping exercises.
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Use the search option to narrow down the project cards or find the project of your choice.
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If you are not logged into the system, the "Create new project" button will be disabled.
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If you are new then on the top right cornor click on Sign up and create an account . Else , Sign in to your existing account .
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Once signed in, the "Create new project" button will be enabled. Click on it.
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The process of creating a new project involves four steps: Project Details, Uploading the Area, Defining the Task, and Selecting the Form.
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Start by filling in the project details, including the organization name, project name, description, and other relevant information.
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If your organization's name is not listed, you can add it through the "Manage Organization" tab.
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Provide the necessary credentials for the ODK (Open Data Kit) central setup, including URL, username, and password.
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Proceed to the next step, which is uploading the area for field mapping. Choose the file option and select the AOI (Area of Interest) file in GEOJSON file format. Review the displayed map that corresponds to your selected area and click on "Next".
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The step 3 is to choose the form category of the project. Meaning if you want to survey each household or healthcare or educational institutes. You can upload the custom XLS form by clicking on the checkbox. Click on "Next" to proceed.
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In step 4, you can either generate the map features from osm or upload the custom map features. You can also upload additional map feature to have multiple feature selection supported.
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The final step is task splitting which can be performed on three different ways. You can split the task on square of size you want. The second option is to choose area as task where you can use single polygon as a task. And the task splitting algorithm which splits the tasks with average number of features which is provided by project creator. The task splitting may take few seconds to few minutes considering the feature count and size of AOI. Click on "Submit" to create project.
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Wait for the system to generate QR codes for each task, which will be used later in the field mapping process.
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After the project creation is successful and QR codes are generated, you are redirected to the project details page of the project.
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Go to the Explore projects tab . Click on the project card and proceed to the next step.
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Select one of the available tasks and start the field mapping exercise.
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If a task is already locked by another user, choose a different task that is available for mapping.If a task is already locked by another user, choose a different task that is available for mapping.
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The drop down icon beside LEGEND displays a color code. This color code lets you know the status of each task on the map.
- READY means that task is available to be mapped
- LOCKED FOR MAPPING means that task is already being mapped by another volunteer and therefore unavailable for mapping
- MAPPED or READY FOR VALIDATION means that task has been completely mapped and ready to be validated.
- LOCKED FOR VALIDATION means that task has been mapped and being validated.
- VALIDATED means that task has successfully been validated and completely mapped with no errors
- INVALIDATED or MORE MAPPING NEEDED means that task did not pass the validation process and needs more mapping
- BAD means that task is not clear and cannot be mapped
Note: 'task' refers to each section of the map enclosed in the dotted lines and each task has a corresponding number tag.
- To begin mapping, click on a task closest to you that has the color code associated with READY and change it's status from READY to LOCKED FOR MAPPING. Remember to take note of the number tag.
- Scroll to the bottom of the page. The ACTIVITIES tab shows the tasks either LOCKED FOR MAPPING, BAD or LOCKED FOR VALIDATION. You can search for tasks with the status mentioned using the number tag associated with each task.
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Use the QR code to start mapping the selected task using the ODK Collect app on your mobile phone.
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Install and open the ODK Collect app on your phone.
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Set up the project details by scanning the QR code provided.
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Once the project is set up in the app, start a new form based on the selected form from the project setup.
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Fill in the questionnaires and collect data for the field mapping exercise.
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Save and send the completed form to the server.
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After completing the assigned task, go back to the project platform on FMTM and mark it as fully mapped.
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Go to the Manage organization tab. You can see the number of organizations. On the top, there is a New button, clicking on which you can request for a new organization.
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You have to provide your consent and fill up the form by providing necessary details like Organization name, URL, Description of organization, type of organization etc.
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Now submit the form. The request will reach the Admin who will create your organization and inform you through the email.
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Go to the respective project. On the bottom left side, you will see the view infographics button.
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Click on the button will lead you to the infographics page.
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On the right side there is an icon which will switch the layout to table view, meaning you can see the submissions in table format.
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You can see the details of submission and also review the submission and set the submission as accepted, rejected or has issues. Moreover, you can also comment to the submission for mappers.
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Users can also download the submission in Json or CSV format.
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The submission can also be uploaded to JOSM. For that, you should have JOSM software installed in your device and should have your remote control enabled.
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Users can also edit a few fields after project creation like basic details like name, description, instructions as well as XLS form.
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Go to the respective project you want to edit. Click on the manage button to edit basic details and XLS form.
If you encounter any issues or need assistance while using FMTM, you can access the following resources:
- Check the FAQs .
- Ask your doubts in the Slack channel: #field-mapping-tasking-manager
We are excited to have you join our community of passionate mappers and volunteers. FMTM is a powerful platform developed by the Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (HOT) to facilitate mapping projects for disaster response, humanitarian efforts, and community development.
With FMTM, you have the opportunity to make a real impact by mapping areas that are in need of support. Your contributions help create detailed and up-to-date maps that aid organizations and communities in their efforts to respond to crises, plan infrastructure, and improve the lives of people around the world.
Whether you are a seasoned mapper or new to the world of mapping, FMTM provides a user-friendly interface and a range of tools to make your mapping experience smooth and rewarding. You can create tasks, collaborate with other volunteers, and contribute to ongoing projects that align with your interests and expertise.
By mapping with FMTM, you are joining a global community of dedicated individuals who share a common goal of using open data to make a positive difference. Together, we can create a more resilient and inclusive world.
Explore the projects, join tasks, and contribute your skills to help us build accurate and comprehensive maps. Don't hesitate to ask questions, seek guidance, and engage with fellow mappers through our forums and communication channels.
Thank you for being part of FMTM. Your mapping efforts are invaluable, and we appreciate your commitment to making a difference.
Happy mapping!
The FMTM Team