Observing from afar or joining the action: OSM and GIScience research

Muki Haklay, UCL

Details about the talk:
This talk will provide an overview of what we already know about OpenStreetMap - such as that the issue of positional accuracy doesn't require much more work, or that quality is impacted by the number of volunteers, or that we can use the data for mainstream geographical applications with confidence. There are areas that require further research about quality, community and use.
From the existing research we can start forming 'rules of engagement' for academics who are researching/using OpenStreetMap and the participants. For example, that it is wise to do some mapping and understand how OSM is created if the research is to be relevant and accurate. OSM can be also used for teaching as part of training future geographic information experts.
Finally, I will cover the questions that need to be asked and that require future research.

Details about the speaker:
Muki Haklay is leading the Extreme Citizen Science - 'ExCiteS' research group, which focuses on participatory mapping, citizen science and usability aspects of geographical technologies.

His research interests include Public access and use of Environmental Information; Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and Usability Engineering aspects of GIS; and Societal aspects of GIS use – in particular, participatory mapping and Citizen Science.

Theme: research