#PubCrawlMappaton

Combining the useful with pleasure

In the digital world of today, we have more information at our fingertips than ever before in history. Yet a lot of that information is spread out over different websites who are sometimes not even easily accessable. OpenStreetMaps is one project that tries to remedy a part of that by being an open database of the world. It's used for mapping, but is also the perfect basis for adding usefull information on Pubs and Bars!

Wait! What?

MapComplete is a tool that uses OpenStreetMaps data to show interesting things, including bars, cafes and pubs. With #PubCrawlMappaton we want to help our local bartenders by litterally putting them on the map.

Everyone knows the concept of a pub crawl. You meet up with friends and go from bar to bar, supporting the local businesses while having a great time. But what if we helped extend the data already present on OpenStreetMaps to make the bars we love easier to find! That's what #PubCrawlMappaton aims to do!

I still don't know what you're rambling about, but it sounds great! But what do I do?

Look up your area on MapComplete and see what bars you find. The bars will be shown with icons and if you click the icons, you'll get information on the bar. If information is missing, it will be presented to you in the form of a question. You can skip questions to see how much information is still missing.

If there are still many bars or information missing, this could be perfect to gather your friends and go for a #PubCrawlMappaton!

Awesome! I'm already contacting them!

Great! Just note that you'll need some preparation. To answer questions, you'll need to create an OpenStreetMaps account and log in. Once that's done, you're set.

If your friends want to answer questions in their own name, they'll need to make an account too. But just having one person is generally enough. Don't forget the other important tasks on a pub crawl, like fetching beers and having fun! You still need people for that as well!

Wait, what if I don't have a device to do this on the pub crawl? And is it really a good idea to submit these answers while drunk?

Good question! You can also bring a bunch of papers with you to fill in the needed information and spend a fun hangover-sunday uploading it using MapComplete! Here's a template you can use: pubcrawlmappaton.odt. Feel free to adapt it if you feel the need and print out a bunch to take with you.

I love this idea! How did it get started?

As a joke of course, how else do things get started ;)