MapRoulette Challenge: Mapping Missing Roads in Democratic Republic of the Congo

From June 7th to June 9th, we organized a three-day mapathon aimed at mapping disconnected roads from the main network in Eastern DRC (Democratic Republic of the Congo), as a challenge in MapRoulette, a microtask platform for collaborative contribution in OpenStreetMap. Volunteers from around the world participated, with the opportunity to access introductory session in French, English, or Portuguese. 
Over 80% of the tasks have been solved, the rest being isolated settlements in dense forests where it is often not possible to visualize on satellite imagery the tiny paths that connect them to the main road network.

The event showcased the talent and dedication of the participants, with three standout mappers receiving recognition for their contributions.
During the MapRoulette Challenge, the mapping efforts of three individuals stood out: 1st pedr0faria, 2nd CasGroenigen and 3r C_shaney. Their commitment and skill in identifying and mapping roads in DRC contributed significantly to the success of the event.
Pedr0Faria, a mapper who had previously won the UN Map Marathon in 2021, demonstrated an exceptional dedication to humanitarian mapping. In recognition of their outstanding work, he has been awarded the title of "Mapper of the Month". 
To learn more about his mapping journey, visit our blog.

The MapRoulette Challenge yielded remarkable results in just three days. Volunteers successfully identified, mapped, and fixed over 750 unconnected roads in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This progress will greatly benefit local communities and humanitarian organizations operating in the region.

The MapRoulette Challenge demonstrated the power of volunteerism and collaborative mapping in addressing the issue of missing roads in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The exceptional contributions of mappers like pedr0faria exemplify the impact that individuals can make in humanitarian endeavors. As the UN Mappers community continues to grow, we remain dedicated to fostering inclusive mapping initiatives that contribute to a more connected world.

We would like to say thank you to each volunteer who participated in the MapRoulette Challenge. Your contributions have made a lasting impact, and we appreciate your commitment to making the world a better place through mapping.