Websites using Hotosm

Okay, let s break down the Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (HOT) with a focus on the areas you requested:

What is the Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (HOT)?

• Overview: HOT is an international non-profit organization and global community that applies the principles of open source and open data to humanitarian response and international development. They coordinate a distributed network of thousands of volunteers to create and maintain map data (primarily using OpenStreetMap) in areas vulnerable to disasters or suffering from chronic development challenges.
• Mission: To improve the quality, availability, and use of OpenStreetMap in places where it s most needed.
• How it Works:
  • Activation: When a disaster strikes or a humanitarian crisis emerges, HOT activates its network.
  • Remote Mapping: Volunteers use satellite imagery to digitize roads, buildings, and other features into OpenStreetMap. This creates baseline data for responders.
  • Field Mapping: In some cases, HOT deploys teams to the affected area to collect data on the ground using mobile devices and GPS.
  • Data Dissemination: The updated OpenStreetMap data is freely available for humanitarian organizations, governments, and the public to use.
  • Training and Capacity Building: HOT works with local communities to train them in mapping techniques, ensuring long-term data maintenance and ownership.

Revenue Model:

• HOT is a non-profit organization, so it doesn t operate to generate profit.
• Funding Sources:
  • Grants: The primary source of revenue is grants from governmental aid agencies (e.g., USAID, UK Aid), foundations (e.g., Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation), and international organizations (e.g., World Bank, UN agencies).
  • Contracts: HOT also receives funding through contracts to provide specific mapping services to organizations.
  • Individual Donations: They accept donations from individuals.
  • Corporate Sponsorships: They may receive sponsorships from corporations, particularly those in the technology or geospatial sectors.
• Transparency: HOT is generally very transparent about its funding and financial reporting. You can usually find annual reports and financial statements on their website.

Alternatives to HOT:

It s not quite accurate to frame these as alternatives in the sense of direct competitors, as HOT often collaborates with many of these organizations. However, these are organizations involved in similar areas of mapping, humanitarian aid, and open data:

• OpenStreetMap Foundation (OSMF): The OSMF is the non-profit organization that supports the OpenStreetMap project itself. HOT is a major contributor to OSM.
• Mapbox: A commercial provider of mapping tools and data. Mapbox often provides mapping infrastructure and support for humanitarian efforts, and also provides data to OSM.
• Google Crisis Response: Google s program provides information and tools during crises, including maps and data. They often use OpenStreetMap data and contribute data back.
• Esri: A commercial GIS (Geographic Information System) software and data provider. Esri provides software and support to humanitarian organizations, including tools for working with OpenStreetMap data.
• Local Mapping Organizations: In many countries, there are local non-profits or community groups that focus on mapping and data collection. HOT often works in partnership with these groups.
• United Nations Agencies (e.g., UNITAR/UNOSAT, UNHCR): UN agencies have their own mapping and GIS capabilities and often use OpenStreetMap data.
• Other NGOs (e.g., Doctors Without Borders, Red Cross/Red Crescent): These organizations use maps and geospatial data extensively in their work. They may contribute to or use OpenStreetMap.

Pricing:

• Data: OpenStreetMap data itself is free and open-source. This is a core principle.
• HOT Services: HOT s services (e.g., training, project management, customized mapping) are typically provided as part of grant-funded projects or contracts. The cost is built into the overall project budget. They don t have a standard price list for individual users. If you want them to do a specific project for you, you d need to contact them to discuss your needs and potential funding.

Customer Care Details (Contacting HOT):

• Website: The primary source of information is their website: https://www.hotosm.org/
• Contact Form: The website usually has a contact form for general inquiries.
• Email: You can usually find email addresses for specific departments or staff members on the website (e.g., for partnership inquiries, media inquiries, etc.).
• Social Media: HOT is active on social media (Twitter, Facebook, etc.). This can be a good way to stay updated and sometimes to reach out with quick questions.
• Community Forums: The OpenStreetMap community has various forums and mailing lists where you can ask questions and get help. While not directly HOT support, it s a good resource.
• GitHub: HOT uses GitHub for many of its projects. You can report bugs or contribute to their code.
• Key Considerations for Contacting:
  • Be clear and specific about your request.
  • Understand that they are a non-profit with limited resources, so response times may vary.
  • Check the website for existing information before contacting them.

In summary, HOT is a vital organization in the humanitarian and open data space. They provide essential mapping data and services, primarily funded by grants and contracts, and collaborate with a wide range of organizations to achieve their mission. Their services are generally not priced in the traditional commercial sense, as they are typically part of larger funded projects. Contacting them directly through their website is the best way to inquire about specific needs or collaborations.