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OpenStreetMap Sends UK Volunteer Mapper To Antigua

Posted by timothy on from the new-vacation-policy dept.

Gerv writes "When Google launched their Map Maker community mapping tool last year, they included loads of Caribbean islands. This led Ed Parsons (chief Google Maps guy) to say that he was sad there wasn't any fieldwork involved. Well, now OpenStreetMap have gone one better — following a successful Pledgebank pledge, they have got together the money to send one randomly-chosen guy to Antigua for a week to work on the OpenStreetMap map!"

2 of 52 comments (clear)

  1. I don't think so... by ajdowntown · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Correct me if I am wrong, and do not mean any ill will towards the winner of this contest, but doesn't it make more sense to just hire someone from the island to do it? It would either be quicker, cheaper, or possibly both.

    1. Re:I don't think so... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Insightful

      The purpose of this is not to map Antigua, it is to raise awareness of Open Street Map as a competitor to Google Maps and WikiMapia.

      The novelty of sending someone to Antigua generates interest. Consider the extra money part of the marketing budget. It will generate social media posts such as this Slashdot one. As a bonus, these "ads" will also bypass AdBlockers.