Transforming Local Information into Global Interaction
Rate:
Categories:
Challenge
With a locally-led network of Green Mapmakers in 55 countries, how can we bring all the data about local green living, ecological and cultural sites together on one platform that is open to public viewpoints and sharing, and easy to use online and on the go?
Solution
Open Green Map, our social mapping platform was launched in June 2009 at GreenMap.org. Explore the first 5,000 sites on 85 interactive maps, toggling the award-winning universal Green Map Icons to customize your view of OGM. Add your insights, multimedia and impact assessments of any site, or suggest new ones. OGM is designed to minimize the costs and technical barriers for interactive mapmaking and to maximize the ability for everyone to engage with nature, social and civic resources. Coming soon: bike lanes and mobile versions ideal for traveling or creating new climate-smart pathways to everyday sustainable living resources near home. Get involved and create a fresh perspective of your community!
Results
With social inclusion a key factor in sustainable community development, every green site on OGM can indicate whether it is near public transportation, wheelchair accessible, child-friendly or free. The interface is now in Spanish, Portuguese and German, and any language can be used to describe or comment on green sites. OGM also provides an Impacts Index to help each place ascertain how it benefits the community, and to spur replication of model best practices, each can be compared with local and global green sites using the same icon. Outcomes include recognition in 5 social design and technology competitions to date, including being short-listed for the 2009 Danish Index Awards.
Green Mapmaking has played an important role in schools, mega events like EXPO 2005, in CSR programs and more as seen in our new Impacts book (download online). With many new ways to use OGM and its contents to come, thanks to this platform, the global Green Map movement is growing faster than ever, too!
Target Markets
OGM is a much-needed resource that amplifies the voice of youth, grassroots, established NGOs, universities, designers and local government who lead local Green Map projects in diverse cities, towns and villages around the world. Nearly 600 teams have registered to date; find profiles, maps and tools at GreenMap.org
Another target is Users of Green Maps: local residents, including youth, newcomers, and longtimers; policy-makers and decisionmakers, travelers, researchers, journalists and bloggers, information designers, sustainability professionals and many others advocating for climate-savvy change locally and globally.
The green sites promoted on the Green Maps are an important target for us as well. Up to 8 of the 170 Green Map Icons on OGM sites indicate the attributes of each, helping users of all backgrounds see at a glance how each supports sustainable living, nature, culture and social justice at the local level.
Specific Interests In Meeting Partnering
Green Map System is a nonprofit organization based in NYC with regional hubs and local leaders around the world. We'd be interested in talking with social innovators and potential supporters of this ever-growing network and toolset, and can offer exciting, meaningful options for sponsors. OGM's unique locally-sourced data and other content we have developed since 1995 also provide for partnerships. Becoming involved in development of specific city's Green Map, new tools or community-wide interactive events creates another pathway to engagement, too.
Specific Interests In Customer Contacts
We look forward to hearing from you.