The “AfterMap” of the February 2023 Earthquakes in Türkiye

In this first-person narrative, I explore the ethical challenges encountered while providing mapping support in the aftermath of the February 2023 earthquakes in Türkiye, a disaster that impacted 2.65 million people across several major cities. This crisis underscored the essential role of geospatial data in disaster response, while also exposing the disparities in data access and representation globally. Many vulnerable communities lack the resources needed to benefit equally from these efforts, leaving a critical gap often addressed by volunteer organizations. Through our collaboration with the Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team, my students and I engaged in digitizing essential map data, witnessing firsthand its transformative effect on disaster response. Despite the inherent challenges and uncertainties in volunteer mapping, each contribution plays a vital role in bridging spatial data gaps and enhancing resilience against natural disasters. This collective effort, following in the footprints of former collaborative mapping efforts, highlights the importance of collaborative action in crisis mapping. By sharing this experience, I aim to shed light on the inequalities present in disaster situations and advocate for more equitable and inclusive approaches to disaster relief. Providing accurate information about unmapped areas and their needs can help pave the way for fairer distribution of aid. As environmental hazards grow more frequent and severe, the insights from this reflection on our mapping journey offer valuable perspectives on equity in digital cartography, with the potential for significant societal benefits.