Sketch Map Tool Exercise 2 - Traffic light#
This exercise focuses on the first step of working with the Sketch Map Tool “Create a Sketch Map” and especially the characteristics, differences, weaknesses and strengths of the satellite and the OSM basemap.
SMT Traffic light#
Characteristics of the exercise#
Aim of this exercise:
Get familiar with the OSM and Satellite-image base maps and the Quality reports.
Get a feeling about how to assess the suitability of a basemaps and familiarise yourself with possible problems.
Type of trainings exercise:
This exercise can be used in online and in presence, and is focused on group discussions.
Focus group (GIS-Knowlege Level)
Planners/Facilitators (Beginners-level: no knowledge required about QGIS)
Phase of participatory/community mapping
preparing participatory mapping
Estimated time demand for the exercise.
In general: about 1 h to 1,5 h (depending on number of groups)
Available data
Instructions for the trainers#
Trainers Corner
Prepare the training
Online access and devices (PC) to be able to use the Sketch Map Tool and create maps online.
For each group one individual set of the Sketch Maps (OSM + satellite) digitally or as a print and reports of one area OSM + satellite-map and the fitting report.
Take a look and make yourself familiar on the provided material for the exercise and the Sketch Map Tool in general. There are 5 case study maps available which contain each two sketch maps (one based on OSM, one on satellite imagery) and the respective Quality Report
Prepare a board (it can be a white board/flipchart/or digital e.g. mirro-board) where the participants can add their findings.
Check out How to do trainings? for some general tips on training conduction
Conduct the training:
Introduction:
Make sure everyone is familiar with the basic understanding about OSM and satellite maps. Introduce the aim of the exercise and the idea of the traffic lights and the analysis before you start the exercise!
Provide access to the needed material and build groups of 3 to 6 people in order to discuss the findings.
Time for group work:
Check-in with the groups to see if there are any questions or problems.
Prepare the presentation tool (e.g. Miro, White-board, etc.) for the wrap-up.
Wrap up:
All groups present their findings (each 5 min, make it short but display the maps they are talking about).
Discuss benefits, as well as challenges and problems in the use of the Sketch Map Tool.
Time to for open questions.
What you need to know - Background information#
Characteristics of the two base maps#
Satellite imagery |
OSM data |
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Data source |
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Example map |
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Currentness |
The satellite imagery is typically within 3-5 years of currency. |
Current OSM-data is used in the base map. |
Biggest benefit |
Impression of the landscape and topography |
Clear outlines and at times labels especially of important infrastructure e.g. hospitals, possibilty to improve the map by contributing to OSM. |
What does georeferenced mean?#
non-georeferenced image |
georeferenced image – GeoTIFF |
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This is just an image, even if you load it into QGIS and give it a coordination system it can´t be located and the image is shown somewhere in the Atlantic. |
The file contains information about its coordinate system and its location, so you can combine it with other geodata e.g. with GPS data. |
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Map Quality Check#
Map Quality Check; Sketch Map Tool Heidelberg report#
The Sketch Map Tool can evaluate how well-suited an area of the OpenStreetMap (OSM) basemap is for participatory mapping based on a quality analysis of the OpenStreetMap (OSM) basemap data through the HeiGIT ohsome quality analyst.
The Map Quality Check assists in evaluating the suitability of the area of interest for participatory mapping through a quality analysis of the OpenStreetMap data with the HeiGIT ohsome quality analyst. The fitness report can be downloaded as a PDF file by clicking on the blue button. It provides an evaluation of the suitability of the local OSM data and recommendations for subsequent field data collection.
Step-by step introduction for participants#
Download here a printabel factsheet to guide you through this exercise.
If you expieriences any problems during your use of the Sketch Map Tool please take a look at the Help page.
1. Create the maps and reports#
Open the Sketch Map Tool
With you group, decide on an area fitting to your case-study. You can also choose an area you know very well or find interesting.
Zoom in and select your map area: Try different zoom levels and change the orientation.
Create several maps of the same area with different orientation, zoom-level or basemaps.
Sketch Map with a satelite base map |
Sketch Map with a OSM base map |
Map Quality Check |
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Tip
To shorten the time, you can work with prepared cases.
2. Collect your insights to the following questions#
Add your insights to a presentation or share it on a (digital) board:
Note
The provided case studies are fictious example locations selected for training purposes without further knowledge about the communities in the displayed areas. In this exercise we focus on the comparison of OSM and satellite imagery base maps, regardless of the exact location of the map section on the world map.
Which difference can you detect between satellite and OSM basemaps?
What are the main characteristics of the area you see on the basemap? Describe separately both basemaps, the one with the satellite imagery and the OSM data.
Could you orient yourself on the basemap? Are there points of interests / something you could use as orientation point?
Would you say the basemaps are suited for participatory mapping? Reason your answer and think about participants that are not familiar with basemaps.
In which use cases would you prefer the OSM basemap?
In which use cases would you prefer the Satellite basemap?
What traffic light colour would you give the satellite and OSM basemap individually for this area?
Discuss the OSM-Mapping-suitability-report:
What is the overall result of the basemap? (Which colour of the traffic light?)
What are your most important findings from the OSM-Mapping-suitability-report?
Would it make sense to organise a mapathon beforehand to improve the OSM data?
3. Wrap-up:#
Make some notes and prepare yourself for a short presentation of your maps to share with the other participants:
Prepare your Presentation and decide who is going to present.
Think about open questions, as well as feedback to the exercise