[Talk-gb-westmidlands] (no subject)

[Chris Parker]

Hello

Although I have been doing some mapping for a little while (Kyral210 http://preview.tinyurl.com/nhn5we), this is the first time I have written to the mailing lists. I am currently studying for my PhD at Loughborough University, researching how Volunteered Geographic Information (such as OpenStreetMap) changes the value of 'traditional' maps. The most important point here is 'what is the added value of volunteered information' and how it improves the map.

As a user/ contributor of OpenStreetMap, I would be very interested to interview you about your general experiences, feelings and opinions about OpenStreetMap. It doesn't matter if you are a seasoned pro, first timer or just someone who looks at OpenStreetMap to find out where places are; all your experiences are equally valid and important.

This is the first example of a scientific study into this area, so your participation will help with this very important work. At the moment it is difficult to say what the outcome may be, or what the impact of the findings may be, but there is a very good chance the conclusions may help with the development of OpenStreetMap, mobile phone apps and other 'electronic map' systems. I will be presenting my findings at State of the Map 2009 (Sunday, 12:15, how value changes everything) so it would be excellent to have as many as possible OSMers interviewed before this.

If you agree to be interviewed , one of two routes can be taken. 
1) I will travel to a semi public location (e.g., café, office etc) at a day and time to suit you, 
2) I will call you and we can conduct the interview over the phone at a time that suits you best. 

As with all research of this nature, any/ all reasonable out of pocket expenses can be compensated. The interview itself is around 45 minutes and should be seen more as an informal chat about your experiences as a person, so there is no right or wrong answers. All work and information is conducted in accordance with Loughborough Universities ethics guidelines, and the UK's data protection act.

If you would like more information on my work, please see departmental webpage.
http://www.lboro.ac.uk/research/esri/staff/c-parker.htm

If you would be interested in taking part in my study, please write to me at C.Parker at lboro.ac.uk and I will answer all questions.


Thank you very much 

Chris Parker 

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