A Take on Mapping
Back in July 2010, one of my first mapping projects in Kenya took me to Mount Elgon. It was a task for the National Democratic Institute, focusing on mapping polling stations for election monitoring before the constitutional referendum held on August 4, 2010. Drawing from this experience and incorporating recent experience, I wanted to revisit my first-ever blog and that journey with a fresh perspective.
Planning Ahead
One of the first lessons from Mount Elgon was the importance of planning around the seasons. Overlooking this aspect led us into a battle with nature we weren’t prepared for. Cold, rainy days limited our working hours, impacting our progress significantly. Today, I approach each project with a greater respect for seasonal planning, ensuring we work with nature, not against it.
Mapping from Memory
The lack of pre-existing maps on Mount Elgon led us to rely on the local people’s ability to create maps from memory. This approach, born out of necessity, has become a valuable tool in our mapping arsenal. It highlights the incredible precision with which people can recall their surroundings, offering often overlooked insights.
Building Local Connections
Before arriving in a new area, it is essential to establish local contacts. This strategy, which proved effective on Mount Elgon, ensures we have support on the ground from day one. Whether recruiting volunteers or simply making our entry into the community, these early connections set the tone for the entire project.
Engaging with Leaders and Guides
The success of a mapping project always relies on the support of community leaders and the expertise of local guides. Their insights into the community and knowledge of the area are invaluable. Our experience on Mount Elgon with guides like Philip and Joseph showcases the importance of having trusted local voices who can navigate both the physical and cultural landscapes.
The Role of Social Engagement
An unconventional yet effective strategy I’ve adopted is visiting area bars to connect with the community. This informal setting over a few cold ones allows for genuine interactions, breaking down barriers, and building support for the project.
Adapting to Challenges
Mapping a new area can be unpredictable, with challenges ranging from weather disruptions to logistical hurdles. On Mount Elgon, we faced everything from rain to mechanical issues. Today, I approach each mapping task with flexibility, ready to adapt to whatever comes our way.
Documenting the Journey
Initially skeptical about the value of keeping a work diary, I’ve come to appreciate its importance in documenting our experiences and learnings. It’s not just about recording data but capturing the essence of each project, ensuring we can reflect on and learn from each experience. In 2010 I started a blog titled Mapping: (No) Big Deal, which is currently offline, where I posted more than 100 posts touching on my experience in data collection, technology, mapping, and community work all over Africa.
Community Feedback
Presenting our findings back to the community is always a crucial final step. This practice reinforces the collaborative nature of our projects. It’s a chance to show appreciation for the community’s support, gather feedback, and to ensure our work remains transparent and accountable.
Maintaining Connections Beyond the Project
Staying in touch with the communities we’ve worked with is more than just courtesy; it’s about building lasting relationships. These connections ensure that the benefits of our work are ongoing and that future projects can build on the foundation we’ve established.
Looking Forward
Reflecting on these steps, it’s clear how much my approach to data collection and working with communities has evolved since Mount Elgon. Each project is a blend of technical challenges and human stories, a balance of respecting tradition while embracing new methodologies. As we continue to explore the unknown, these experiences shape our journey, guiding us toward more effective, respectful, and collaborative working endeavors.
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