Mapathon @HKUST 科大地圖松 (Apr 2023)

Disasters around the world claim nearly 100,000 lives and affect 200 million people each year, resulting in significant destruction and human losses. However, many of the locations impacted by these disasters are not promptly updated on digital maps.

In an effort to save more lives from disasters, 31 volunteers collaborated to update the map via the Missing Maps platform, arming frontline responders with vital information to save lives in the aftermath of catastrophic events. The volunteers meticulously compared satellite imagery, adding buildings, roads, and other crucial infrastructure to a shared open source online map. This map will be made freely available to humanitarian organizations worldwide, empowering frontline workers to rapidly mobilize aid and resources to affected communities. Through this event, our volunteers learned that with just access to the internet and their dedicated efforts, they can make a life-saving impact from miles away.