Engineers without Borders Sweden join forces with Sandvik employees to map the unmapped
Engineers Without Borders Sweden (EWB Sweden) recently teamed up with Sandvik employees and other volunteers to host a virtual Missing Maps Mapathon, making vital contributions to life-saving humanitarian efforts. The collaboration focused on mapping remote, underrepresented areas to ensure that aid reaches those who need it the most.
The event brought together 35 participants from across Sweden and beyond, with significant outcomes. Together, the group successfully mapped 3,150 buildings and made 3,282 edits to OpenStreetMap (OSM), a collaborative online mapping platform. This Mapathon specifically targeted the Sivasagar District in Assam, India, a region still recovering from devastating floods last year. By mapping essential infrastructure, such as buildings and roads, the volunteers are playing a crucial role in helping local and international humanitarian organizations respond more efficiently to crises and build resilience for the future.
Turning the invisible into the visible
During the 1.5-hour interactive session, the volunteers were trained to use OpenStreetMap, a tool that allows anyone to contribute to global mapping efforts. After a tutorial, participants worked together to trace satellite images, identifying roads, buildings, and other critical landmarks in regions where maps were either incomplete or entirely absent. The updated maps are invaluable for local and international NGOs, enabling them to deliver aid more effectively in disaster zones and isolated communities.
“Missing Maps is an open-source joint effort where we assist in mapping disaster-affected areas, whether it's flooding or an earthquake, so that international organizations have accurate data to prepare the best crisis response,” says Caroline Edelstam, Secretary General at EWB Sweden. “In this case, it was flooded areas along the river in Assam, India, that needed assistance. This included the whole landscape, schools, hospitals, firefighting departments, infrastructure, and housing, so that crisis response teams could have a clear picture of the area when they enter.”
I attended the Missing Maps mapathon because I believe in doing what I can, especially when it’s something so simple.
Sandvik employee and Mapathon volunteer, Pauliina Lunde, shared her thoughts on the experience: “I attended the Missing Maps mapathon because I believe in doing what I can, especially when it’s something so simple. All you need is your computer, and in just a short time, you can contribute to something meaningful. The experience was engaging, and I ended up staying on even longer than planned because it was easy, fun, and felt impactful.”
A long-lasting partnership
Sandvik has been in a partnership with Engineers Without Borders Sweden since 2017. Small actions can have a big impact, and together, we’re helping to build a more connected, visible, and resilient world.