Every map tells a story. Some stories are drawn with roads and buildings. Others are written through people, voices, and lived experiences. This is the story of how mapping became a bridge between climate vulnerability and community resilience in the heart of Dhaka. Under the Climate Resilience Fellowship, proudly supported by OpenMappingHub Asia Pacific, our Team 8 embarked on a journey called “Healthy Homes, Safer Futures.” Our goal was simple yet powerful: to strengthen climate awareness and resilience among vulnerable communities living in Dhaka’s urban informal settlements.

Where It All Began

In early May, all ten fellowship teams gathered in Dhaka, sharing ideas and aspirations for climate action. We were two coordinators: Mohammad Azharul Islam — Oceanographer and GIS Analyst at the Center for Geoservice and Research Ahsan Habib Saimon — Capacity Building Officer at Christian Commission for Development in Bangladesh Together, they envisioned a project that would connect data, digital tools, and grassroots knowledge to create safer living environments.

… See full entry

Introduction

Hey, I am Mohammad Azharul Islam, an OMGuru fellow from the OMGuru Fellowship Program. During my tenure as a fellow in the validation track of the OMGuru Fellowship, I refined my abilities to assess and verify the precision of data.

Challenges and Responsibilities

As a fellow within the OMGuru Fellowship Program’s validation track, I refined my abilities to assess and verify data precision. This experience allowed me a lot of experiences. Followings are here, i. It had precise validation procedures which were designed and executed to evaluate the quality and consistency of the data. ii. Analyzing and identifying discrepancies within datasets, ensuring their accuracy and adherence to established standards. iii. Collaboration with the OMGuru’s to learn precise validation process and resolve inconsistencies. iv. Had to communicate with the data providers and stakeholders regarding data quality issues and solutions to the problems.

Challenges and Learnings

Participating in data validation proved to be a challenging yet fulfilling endeavor. The complex process required a thorough examination of each structure, road, and even street view, which was not consistently available. Obstructed elements such as the overcast sky or dense foliage further hindered the operation. During these obstacles, I refined my problem-solving abilities and gained vital insights at each stage.

Acknowledgment

During the whole journey, all the GURUs were very supportive and positive. I want to mention about Mikko, Dinar, and Melai, with whom I have interacted directly and they are very generous people I have met. And also the GURUs around the region.

Finally, thanks to OpenMappingHub Asia Pacific and HOT for the opportunity. It’s encouraging for the community and the mappers around our region. I wish for the betterment of our region.

#OMGuru #HOT #OSMBD #youthmappersatbsmrmu #youthmappers #APHub #openmappinghubasiapacific

Mohammad Azharul Islam 
MSc in Oceanography, BSMRMU

… See full entry