The evolution of humanitarian mapping in OpenStreetMap (OSM) and how it affects map completeness and inequalities in OSM
Mapping efforts of communities in OpenStreetMap (OSM) over the previous decade have created a unique global geographic database, which is accessible to all with no licensing costs. The collaborative maps of OSM have been used to support humanitarian efforts around the world as well as to fill important data gaps for implementing major development frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Besides the well-examined Global North - Global South bias in OSM, the OSM data as of 2023 shows a much more spatially diverse spread pattern than previously considered, which was shaped by regional, socio-economic and demographic factors across several scales. Humanitarian mapping efforts of the previous decade have already made OSM more inclusive, contributing to diversify and expand the spatial footprint of the areas mapped. However, methods to quantify and account for the remaining biases in OSM’s coverage are needed so that researchers and practitioners will be able to draw the right conclusions, e .g. about progress towards the SDGs in cities.