Mapillary

INFORMATION GATHERING & VISUALIZATION

Mapillary is the platform that provides street-level images and map data for the purpose of scaling and automating mapping.

Short summary of the practice

Mapillary is a service for sharing crowdsourced geotagged photos. This is one of the few alternative platforms that has street level imagery like Google Street View.

crowdsourcing, data collection, mapillary, mapping, neighbourhood research, street view, mapping software, digital tool

Goal of the practice

Mapillary is a collaborative platform for street-level images and map data. The images and data can be used to automate mapping using AI. They are committed to building a global service for everyone. In addition to streets, also bicycle lanes and foot paths, or anywhere where pedestrians can go. It is also used in developing countries where Google Streetview has no (recent) coverage.

Target group

Drives, cyclists, pedastrians, anyone with camera

Number of participants: Unlimited

Age of participants: Youth and adults, 18+

Materials

A camera, which can be any mobile device
Internet access
App Mapillary

Method settings

Worldwide, can be used in any city.

Duration

The time needed by participants to add their photos on the platform.

Preparation

No preparation required.

Step by step guide

Contribute imagery, manage map data, and bring it all to your mapping and GIS workflows with our apps and tools.

Capture
Upload photos
Use street-level imagery and data

Expected output

A camera, which can be any mobile device, takes pictures every second and leaves a trail of photo’s. AI can then analyze photos for objects (street signs). 3D reconstruction and semantic segmentation connect images and extract map data at scale for smart cities, geospatial services, and autonomous vehicles.

DOs, DONTs and ethical considerations of the method

DOs of the method:

Do take a good quality photo
Before sharing, make sure you are taking a photo in the permitted area.

Change the method brings to the communities

It gives a street-view like image on places where Google doesn’t come. Additionally, a range of community services can be harvested from the images.

Adaptation/Application of the method

This tool can be used directly without any customisation. Can be used as an alternative to Google Maps.

Credit, References, and Resources

Link to they tool (NL) – https://www.mapillary.com/?locale=nl_NL

Explaining Mapillary: How it works, video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sk6ubBz4p1Q&ab_channel=Mapillary

Collaborative Decision-Making