We just updated 200 KM of data across Brazil, helping Modulo assist the government in managing logistics around the World Cup. Modulo is a Brazilian technology company providing data and management tools to logistics and safety efforts around the World Cup. Working with Modulo, we identified and processed the latest available satellite imagery of all 12 World Cup stadiums. We did this in partnership with our friends at Mapbox and have now handed over the data to Modulo for use in their platforms. Importantly, this data is provided in a way that offers tremendous social benefit to Brazil and better data for Modulo.

Mapbox acquired the imagery in a manner that allowed them to include this data in their global base map so that others could access the recent imagery. More importantly, they acquired the imagery under a license that makes it available for tracking in OpenStreetMap. OpenStreetMap users can trace this imagery to identify buildings, roads, parking lots, hospitals, and other points of interest around the stadiums. This data will be available for everyone, from the World Cup organizers, to the app developers trying to help you navigate game day traffic, to the spectator looking for a good bar near the stadium.

OpenStreetMap edits in Recife up to June 10. Courtesy ITO OSM Mapper

Over the next few years, governments and development agencies will spend millions acquiring satellite imagery and the capability to extract data from that imagery. USAID recently solicited proposals for a $170 million contract to provide independent monitoring of USAID projects in Afghanistan. Imagery analysis was one of six “minimum monitoring tools” required for this contract. We expect satellite imagery to be an important part of government procurement and development projects. The imagery used in these projects has tremendous social and economic value. It should be open. Governments and development agencies must consider this now, at the procurement stage. It is much harder to get the licensing right after the contract is signed.

In the meantime, take advantage of the new stadium imagery to start contributing to OpenStreetMap in Brazil. All images are available and ready for tracing.