[OSM-talk] Some thoughts against remote mapping

[Warin]

On 15/06/2015 2:29 AM, John Eldredge wrote:
> The claim that the maps are only for the benefit of Westerners implies 
> that non-Western people never travel to or trade with areas beyond 
> their immediate neighborhoods.
>

There was a humours suggestion to map animal paths, rejected as not 
something wanted in OSM.
To some native farmers those paths may be very significant. The 
rejection reflects a 'western culture'.

The Australian Treasure was recently criticised for saying poor people 
don't drive cars ....
Poor people in some countries don't have cars. More 'western culture'.

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Do these 'non western' people want/need/know of  OSM? Probably not, 
their culture has existed without OSM for some time, introducing OSM in 
any form will change their culture, so do 'we' leave them encased in a 
cage to 'keep out western culture'?

I think that is not our choice. It should be their choice.

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Now ... back to mapping.