MAPATHON: CAPACITY-BUILDING FOR THE BLACK ACADEMY - 31.07.2025 Version ==> 
In the framework of a continuing relationship with the staff of the Black Academy in Mannheim, a mapathon was organized on July 31, 2025 with the express purpose of "training" Academy staff members regarding:
- the background and use of mapathons in the context of humanitarian and developmental support for communities worldwide
- a practical introduction to the IT tools used at a mapathon. The idea underlying the mapathon was to create a cadre of Academy members who will be able, in the future, to organize mapathons themselves in Germany as well as in Africa.
Eight Academy staff members and associates were present in the Stadthaus-Mannheim (N1). Four others followed on-line from Benin. The mapathon was held in English (with German and French serving occasionally) . With the support of members of HeiGIT (Heidelberg) and the German Red Cross, a HOT mapping project (in north-central) Benin #25449 was created and used for this training.
Most of the first hour of the session was used -- beyond personal introductions of those present -- to explain:
- the logic of, and benefits stemming from, mapathons as a proven tool of humanitarian cartography. Particular emphasis was placed on understanding the "3-Step" process in which a mapathon is (as "Step 1") embedded, enriched by applying of local knowledge to the mapped area then used by support organizations "on the ground" to more effectively meet the challenges faced by affected populations.
- the functionality of the HOT Tasking Manager software in providing a framework and tool for creating and channeling mapping data to where it is needed
- the central cartographic data "repository" which is made visible as OpenStreetMap.
Having previously created their OpenStreetMap accounts, participants began immediately to learn how to use the "built-in" iD-Editor of the Tasking Manager. With the introductory documentation supplied to participants during the previous week, as well as the additional support of two experienced mappers during the mapathon -- members of HeiGIT -- most could quickly begin productive mapping. The open atmosphere permitted experienced staff to oversee mapper progress, make suggestions for more effective work and respond quickly to questions.
All of the documentation used for training (and more as well) can be downloaded from our website.
Our thanks goes to the Black Academy staff, especially to Mr. Abdoul Boukari, for both the preparation of the necessary infrastructure and facilitating necessary pre-mapathon communication with the participants.
A follow-up training session will be planned for the near future. The aim will be to reinforce skills already acquired and move on to introduce JOSM.
