Crowdsourcing the Map
Understanding Volunteered Geographic Information in the Age of Participatory Data
Your understanding of geographic information is about to expand beyond traditional authoritative sources into the dynamic world of citizen-generated spatial data. This book guides you through the technical foundations and algorithmic innovations that power platforms like OpenStreetMap, Waze, and countless citizen science initiatives. You'll explore how millions of volunteers create geographic data, the computational challenges of processing this information at scale, and the sophisticated algorithms that assess quality, detect patterns, and extract insights from crowdsourced contributions. From spatial data structures that enable real-time queries to machine learning models that validate contributor accuracy, you'll gain practical knowledge of the systems that transform individual observations into reliable geographic datasets. The book balances theoretical rigor with real-world applications, examining case studies across disaster response, urban planning, environmental monitoring, and navigation. You'll understand not just how VGI systems work, but how to design them effectively, addressing quality assurance, contributor motivation, privacy protection, and algorithmic fairness. Whether you're building the next generation of participatory mapping platforms or integrating crowdsourced data into existing GIS workflows, this comprehensive guide provides the technical depth and practical insights you need.
Est. Length
253 pages (12 chapters)
Language
English
Publication date
Oct 26, 2025
Enjoyed this sample of "Crowdsourcing the Map"?
Personalize and buy this book
Get your personalized version, tailored by AI to your goals, background, and interests
Benefits of AI-tailored books
- Read one book, not ten:
- all the Geographic Information Systems knowledge you need consolidated into a single focused book.
- Save days of learning:
- choose the things you want to learn, exclude those you don't.
- Learn effortlessly:
- Geographic Information Systems book written for your specific background and expertise.
- Reach goals faster:
- specify your goals and let your book guide you.
- Stay ahead of the curve:
- learn from the latest developments and research, not outdated books.
Create your unique book in 3 steps
- 1. Select your focus
Select the focus of your Geographic Information Systems book and share your background
- 2. Personalize your book
Specify your goals and choose sub-topics to include
- 3. Get your tailored book
Your book is ready in 10 minutes. Read it online, download a PDF, or send to Kindle.
Frequently asked questions
- What is TailoredRead?
TailoredRead is an AI-powered service that creates personalized nonfiction books tailored to your specific goals, interests, and skill level. Our platform utilizes advanced artificial intelligence to generate custom books on a wide range of topics, helping you learn any subject quickly and easily.
- How long is the book?
You can choose from four book lengths: Comprehensive (250-300 pages), Detailed (150-200 pages), Essential (70-100 pages), and Short (30-50 pages). These book lengths are based on tablet-sized pages. When reading the book on a mobile phone, it will have more pages, and when reading the book on a high-resolution computer display, it will have fewer pages.
- How much does a it cost?
The cost of creating a tailored ebook is comparable to regular ebooks, ranging from $2 to $20. The exact price depends on factors such as the book's complexity and length. After completing our book questionnaire, which helps us understand your specific needs for the book, you'll be able to choose your desired book length and receive an exact price, prior to creating the book. This transparent pricing ensures you get the best value for your personalized learning experience.
- Can I preview the book before purchasing?
We want you to feel confident in your purchase. Before you buy, you'll have access to a comprehensive preview of your tailored book. This preview includes the title, a detailed description, book data, and the full table of contents. You'll also see an estimated length for the book, giving you a clear idea of what to expect. This way, you can make an informed decision and ensure the book meets your expectations before committing to buy.
- How long does it take to create a book?
Once you've completed the questionnaire and made your purchase, your tailored book will be ready in approximately 10 minutes. The best part? You can start reading it immediately while it's being generated.
- What if I have more questions?
Please check out our full FAQ or contact us and we'll be happy to help.