Crowdsourcing Map-Using and Map-Generating Tasks into OpenStreetMap

Abstract

This article describes research to identify map-using and map-generating tasks in crowdsourcing. As a result, we identified a set of tasks from some users’ tests designed as two experiments. In Experiment 1, we interviewed eight individuals (in person) and seventy-eight individuals—by an online survey—within Experiment 2. They have different backgrounds and map-reading skills. We selected a geoinformation crowdsourcing platform, OpenStreetMap, for applying the tests. As exploratory research, the results revealed an initial set of eighty-two map-using and map-generating tasks that individuals perform while interacting with OpenStreetMap. In general, the tests’ results allowed us to assess the changes triggered by the technological developments in map-use research. Consequently, we conclude that we should complement the traditional list of map-reading tasks in this new context, where individuals can simultaneously use and produce maps. This new possibility of using and generating geoinformation could bring some progress for designing map use tests and understanding the technological advances in Cartography.