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+---
+title: MapSwipe Belgium Meetup
+publishedDate: 2025-01-25
+author: Amar Shahi
+description: This article summarizes the key highlights of Mapswipe Belgium meetup 2024.
+coverImage: /img/blogImages/2025-01-25-mapswipe-belgium-meetup-7.jpeg
+featured: true
+---
+
+# Highlights from MapSwipe Meetup 2024
+In mid-November 2024, the MapSwipe community gathered in Brussels for a four-day meetup to explore how we can better support humanitarian mapping, amplify our impact, and plan for the future. Hosted by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), the event brought together representatives from organizations like MSF, Togglecorp, American Red Cross (ARC), British Red Cross (BRC), Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team HOT, and Heidelberg Institute for Geoinformation Technology (HeiGIT), as well as individual contributors. This meetup served as a collaborative platform to assess our achievements, share ideas, and lay the groundwork for the next phase of MapSwipe’s journey. Beyond its focus on strategic discussions, the meetup provided a rare opportunity for participants, many of whom had only interacted online, to meet in person, fostering stronger connections and collaboration.
+
+## Day 1: Reflecting on Technology and Challenges
+Johnny from BRC and Benni from (HeiGIT) kicked off with a deep dive into MapSwipe’s history and memories. From its beginnings in 2015 as a crowdsourcing tool to its current role in global humanitarian mapping, MapSwipe’s evolution has been marked by innovation and collaboration.
+
+### Participants:
+Johnny (British Red Cross)
+Laurent (Former Médecins sans frontières)
+Kat (American Red Cross)
+Ankit (ToggleCorp)
+Nicole (Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team)
+Jorieke (Médecins sans frontières))
+Benni (Heidelberg Institute for Geoinformation Technology)
+Alex (Médecins sans frontières)
+David (Médecins sans frontières)
+Amar (Togglecorp)
+
+The day started on a lighthearted note with a friendly competition to identify the “Biggest Swiper” among attendees along with some interesting quizzes. Participants then shared their individual journeys with MapSwipe, recounting how they became involved and their contributions to the platform. The group then revisited the platform’s history, reflecting on milestones such as its 2015 prototype, the 2016 app launch, and the evolution of the app, website refresh and now MapSwipe for Web.
+
+![Meetup Image One](/img/blogImages/2025-01-25-mapswipe-belgium-meetup-1.jpeg)
+
+The latter half of the day was dedicated to examining the technical aspects of MapSwipe. The group reflected on the platform’s evolution from a web-based prototype in 2015 to the current app and web versions. The group also discussed various technical challenges that currently exist. Key technical topics included:
+* **System Complexity:** Participants discussed how the platform’s growing features have increased complexity, creating challenges in onboarding developers and maintaining the ecosystem.
+* **Project Creation:** Attendees explored ways to simplify project creation and improve testing workflows, ensuring that errors can be quickly identified and resolved.
+* **Backend and Frontend Improvements:** Ideas for transitioning from Firebase to a Django-based backend and implementing a progressive web app were introduced as potential solutions for cost reduction and scalability.
+* **Deployment:** While the current deployment process enables both app and web versions to function effectively, it comes with challenges that can slow down development and impact reliability. The current deployment process also impacts developers' experience since they are not able to quickly spin off an instance and start experimenting with the application.
+
+**Fun Fact:**
+Nicole earned the title of the workshop’s “Biggest Swiper,” racking up an impressive 50,000+ swipes. A big shoutout to Jorieke for securing second place and to Jorieke’s mom for her unwavering support and advocacy for MapSwipe!\
+Day 1 ended with a team dinner at a Lebanese restaurant.
+
+![Meetup Image 2](/img/blogImages/2025-01-25-mapswipe-belgium-meetup-2.jpeg)
+
+## Day 2: Showcasing Impact
+Day two was focused on discussing the impact MapSwipe has had on communities worldwide. 
+### Participants in-person:
+Johnny (BRC)
+Ankit (Togglecorp)
+Jorieke (MSF)
+Benni (HeiGit)
+Alex (MSF)
+Amar (Togglecorp)
+Nicole (HOT)
+Kat (ARC)
+Laurent\
+Nicole (HOT) and Kat (ARC) kicked us off by presenting the various [use cases of MapSwipe](https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1cHjv4bN0JPLFragyEgO21UzbtnRiUHx3LkCqBaDYzO0/edit#slide=id.g2e9f1deadab_0_0) and the way different organizations are currently using it. Each organization shared examples of how they’ve used MapSwipe to address critical challenges, from disaster response to environmental monitoring.
+
+**Highlighted Projects:**
+* **Disaster Response:** MapSwipe data was used to locate affected areas after natural disasters like Storm Daniel in Libya and earthquakes in Afghanistan, speeding up aid delivery.
+* **Community Development:** In Zimbabwe, MapSwipe helped identify boreholes and buildings to address water shortages in rural areas, empowering local initiatives.
+* **Public Health Mapping:** The platform supported malaria control campaigns in Botswana by locating remote villages for field surveys.
+
+The session continued with HOT, ARC, and HeiGit sharing how they are currently using MapSwipe. Jorieke (MSF) started a discussion session regarding how MapSwipe can support updating a large area on OpenStreetMap.
+
+> Inser Image Here
+
+The second half of Day 2 was a hybrid session where few remote participants joined to discuss how they are currently using MapSwipe.
+
+**Remote participants:**
+Letwin Pondo (HOT, Zimbabwe)
+Paul Knight (BRC, UK)
+Keyur Khadka (Togglecorp, Nepal)
+Nash (MSF, UK)
+Juan Carlos (HOT, Latam)
+
+The remote session started with a recap of the morning session and each participant explaining how they are currently using MapSwipe and where it fits in the organisation workflow. The session focused on 2 major questions:
+1. If you had a list of things that you would like to be developed that is something new or an improvement to existing App?
+2. How can you help MapSwipe?
+
+The day ended with participants answering the questions and discussing ways in which they and their organisation could help MapSwipe.
+Find the answers for the question [here](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QjgFskUkj-IxE-ZMyt4Pv_iOdQhlJ9DQZtsIjjhNz80/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.93sm5yspivsp).
+**Fun fact:**
+One of the most heartwarming stories shared was by Letwin about a project in Zimbabwe that used MapSwipe to identify boreholes in her hometown. This data was later presented to the local government to address water shortages, showcasing how MapSwipe empowers individuals to drive change in their own communities.
+
+Laurent wrapped up his time with the group at the end of Day 2. His contributions were key to the MaspSwipe's success, and his technical insights have helped pave the way for important decisions and tech choices that will drive MapSwipe forward.
+
+![Meetup Image 3](/img/blogImages/2025-01-25-mapswipe-belgium-meetup-3.jpeg)
+
+## Day 3: Financing for Sustainability
+The third day of the meetup was dedicated to MapSwipe’s sustainability—funding and financial planning. With an eye toward securing the platform’s long-term future, participants engaged in in-depth discussions about how to maintain the platform, fund feature development, and explore new revenue streams.
+
+**Participants**
+Jorieke (MSF)
+Benni (HeiGIT)
+Nicole (HOT)
+Johnny (BRC)
+Amar (ToggleCorp)
+Ankit (ToggleCorp)
+Kat (ARC)
+
+The day began with Amar presenting a recap of the financial overview of MapSwipe for the year 2024. The presentation also focused on the detailed contributions made by each organization and a check on MapSwipe financial health. There was also a discussion on any potential funding that the participants are willing to make in 2025. Detailed presentation [here](https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1lWwv82gemDybxFjAF_vUJ4H58tpI1Vwh/edit#slide=id.g3145f004ab7_0_172).
+
+![Meetup Image 4](/img/blogImages/2025-01-25-mapswipe-belgium-meetup-4.jpeg)
+
+
+The second half of Day 3 was led by Jorieke and was focused on a brainstorming session on funding ideas. The participants was divided into 3 groups:
+
+* Group 1: Possible strategies to fundraise from the public? 
+* Group 2: Possible strategies to fundraise from corporate organisations? 
+* Group 3: Possible strategies to receive earmarked funding and un-earmarked funding?
+
+Each group was given roughly 20 mins to brainstorm and come back with a list of ideas to create a funding source for MapSwipe.
+Here are the top two ideas from each category:
+#### Public Fundraising:
+1. **In-App Donations:** Adding a donation banner directly in the app to encourage users to support MapSwipe while engaging with the platform.
+2. **Merchandise Sales:** Launching a line of MapSwipe-branded products, such as t-shirts or tote bags, to raise funds while increasing visibility.
+#### Corporate/Private Fundraising:
+1. **Clear Funding Proposals:** Developing a list of prioritized features with specific price tags to attract corporate sponsors looking for tangible impacts.
+2. **Branding and Storytelling:** Enhancing storytelling around MapSwipe’s impact to appeal to potential donors and corporate partners.
+#### Earmarked Funding:
+1. **Feature Sponsorships:** Allowing partners to fund specific features or projects, ensuring their contributions have a clear, measurable outcome.
+2. **Dedicated Volunteers:** Recruiting volunteers for specific tasks, potentially including sponsorship opportunities to cover their costs.
+#### Unmarked Funding:
+1. **Recognition of Supporters:** Providing perks, like branded gifts, to recurring financial contributors as a token of appreciation.
+2. **Community Engagement:** Leveraging NGOs and regular users to contribute to MapSwipe through donations or other support mechanisms.\
+Day 3 ended with participants discussing ways to make MapSwipe sustainable and enhancing transparency in financial governance.
+
+
+**Fun fact:**
+One of the ideas discussed during the fundraising session was launching MapSwipe-branded merchandise, like t-shirts or tote bags, to raise funds and promote the platform. It would be cool if we could order a MapSwipe themed Club-Mate from the store.
+![Meetup Image 5](/img/blogImages/2025-01-25-mapswipe-belgium-meetup-5.jpeg)
+
+
+## Day 4: Crafting the Roadmap
+The final day of the meetup focused on crafting a roadmap for MapSwipe’s future. Kat and Johnny led the group on Day 4 to create a concrete roadmap for the coming year.
+
+**Participants:**
+Ankit (Togglecorp)
+Johnny (BRC)
+Kat (ARC)
+Rhea (Previously CRC)
+Nicole (HOT)
+Jorieke (MSF)
+Benni (Heigit)
+Amar (Togglecorp)
+
+Rhea who previously used to work at CRC was present on the final day of the meetup.
+
+Participants reflected on past goals (through Miro board), prioritized new ideas, and collaborated to align on key initiatives for the upcoming year.
+
+**Key Steps in Roadmap Creation:**
+1. **Reflection:** Kat and Johnny walked the participants through the previous (2020) roadmap, identifying completed and uncompleted goals to inform future planning.
+2. **Idea Prioritization:** Through brainstorming and scoring, ideas were ranked based on their impact and feasibility, ensuring the roadmap addressed pressing needs while remaining actionable.
+3. **Timeline Development:** High-priority items were organized into a timeline to guide implementation efforts over the coming year.
+
+The roadmap was divided into 2 sections:
+1. General Roadmap
+2. Technical Roadmap
+
+Through rigorous discussion and voting, the participants decided on the following [roadmap](https://app.mural.co/t/katkinzer9715/m/katkinzer9715/1731585514072/0423daffb9fc8a287f3591a4db711e8c90474c8f):
+
+![Meetup Image 6](/img/blogImages/2025-01-25-mapswipe-belgium-meetup-6.jpeg)
+
+A retrospective session of the overall meetup was conducted where participants were asked 3 questions:
+1. How was the meetup?
+2. Most useful bit of the meetup?
+3. What is one thing that you would change for the next meetup?
+
+Here is the summary of how everyone answered the questions:
+
+**Benni (HeiGIT):**
+* Appreciated meeting new people and the collaborative atmosphere.
+* Highlighted the roadmap creation as a major success.
+* Suggested cooking together instead of going out.
+
+**Kat (ARC):**
+* Found the workshop productive and enjoyable.
+* Praised the large, bright meeting space and the creation of the roadmap.
+* Recommended focusing next gathering on getting more actionable tasks completed during sessions.
+
+**Johnny (BRC):**
+* Enjoyed the workshop and valued the technical discussions.
+* Highlighted the roadmap as a key achievement.
+* Suggested incorporating more breakout sessions for working in smaller groups.
+
+**Amar (Togglecorp):**
+* Found the workshop exciting and appreciated the chance to meet in person.
+* Was glad to see the roadmap come together.
+* Suggested improving hybrid participation for remote attendees.
+
+**Jorieke (MSF):**
+* Felt the workshop included the right people and facilitated important discussions.
+* Was happy with the roadmap and financial discussions.
+* Suggested better preparation and allocating free time for individual work during sessions.
+
+**Nicole (HOT):**
+* Loved the structure of the workshop and the mix of communal and private spaces.
+* Gained a better understanding of technical challenges and solutions.
+* Recommended holding workshops more frequently, even online, to maintain momentum.
+
+**Ankit (Togglecorp):**
+* Enjoyed meeting everyone in person and learning how MapSwipe is used across organizations.
+* Appreciated the thoughtful discussions and roadmap creation.
+* Suggested considering the weather when choosing future workshop locations.
+
+**Rhea (Previously CRC):**
+* Was glad to attend and appreciated the collaborative environment.
+* Praised the in-person interactions for facilitating faster progress.
+* Suggested expanding the participant pool and improving hybrid engagement.
+Day 4 ended with a bittersweet farewell but with a lot of memories.
+
+![Meetup Image 7](/img/blogImages/2025-01-25-mapswipe-belgium-meetup-7.jpeg)
+
+**Fun fact:**
+The team wrapped up the meetup with precision, finishing the final session at 2:39 PM—leaving just enough time to vacate the venue by 3 PM but also giving ample time for Amar and Ankit to do some last minute shopping. It was a testament to how efficiently the group worked together, even when racing against the clock!
+
+#### Why It Matters
+MapSwipe is more than a mapping tool—it’s a collaborative effort to address global challenges through data-driven solutions. From disaster recovery to public health and environmental conservation, MapSwipe has empowered organizations and individuals to make a difference.
+
+As we look to the future, the insights and plans generated during this workshop will help shape MapSwipe’s trajectory. Whether you’re a mapper, an organization, or a supporter, there’s a place for you in this journey. Together, we can continue to map what matters and make every swipe count.
+
+The roadmap and ideas developed in Brussels represent a step forward. The meetup highlighted not only the challenges MapSwipe faces but also the immense creativity and resourcefulness of its community. Every session reinforced the collective commitment to bridging gaps in mapping, supporting underserved communities, and making humanitarian work more effective. The connections made and the shared vision has laid the groundwork for innovations that will shape the next chapter of MapSwipe’s journey.
+
+![Meetup Image 8](/img/blogImages/2025-01-25-mapswipe-belgium-meetup-8.jpeg)
+
+Stay connected and get involved by visiting [our blog](https://mapswipe.org/en/blogs/)—because the future of mapping starts with you!
+
+#### Financial Contributions
+
+A significant aspect of the meetup's success was its self-sustained model. All participants funded their own travel and accommodations, reflecting the collective commitment of the community. Additionally, MapSwipe Open Collective contributed USD 5,973.37, which covered shared costs like the venue, food, flights and train tickets for a few members  and other essential workshop materials. This support helped ensure a productive and enjoyable experience for everyone.
+
+#### Important Links from the MapSwipe Meetup 2024
+Here are all the key resources and links shared during the meetup:
+* Roadmap Creation Board (Mural)
+Link https://app.mural.co/t/katkinzer9715/m/katkinzer9715/1731585514072/0423daffb9fc8a287f3591a4db711e8c90474c8f?sender=u97ae3afd6e21ba01d7c01217
+* Presentation on MapSwipe Success Stories (Live Document)
+Link: [MapSwipe: Powering Humanitarian Response](https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1cHjv4bN0JPLFragyEgO21UzbtnRiUHx3LkCqBaDYzO0/edit#slide=id.g2f2c7a8953d_0_185)
+
+* Day 1 presentation
+Link: [Day 1 - Session 1 - Intro and Memoirs](https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1qKMNqWV_0H088n5_BpHu4bL1Y1M02S20DK-kLKh7agg/edit#slide=id.p)
+
+* Day 3 presentation:
+Link: [MapSwipe Finance Overview.pptx](https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1lWwv82gemDybxFjAF_vUJ4H58tpI1Vwh/edit#slide=id.g3145f004ab7_0_40)
+* Brussels Meetup Rolling Notes
+Link: [MapSwipe Belgium Rolling Notes](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QjgFskUkj-IxE-ZMyt4Pv_iOdQhlJ9DQZtsIjjhNz80/edit?tab=t.0)
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