Research on AI and OpenStreetMap – request for short interviews

General talk
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Hi everyone,

I am Giulia De Florio and I’m an aspiring PhD researcher. I have recently completed my Master’s degree in Digital Sociology and Web Analysis at the University of Naples Federico II, and I am currently working on a research project about how artificial intelligence is changing the production of geographic data. In particular, I am interested in reconstructing its evolution and understanding its epistemological implications (for example: how criteria of validation change, issues of data responsibility, the role of humans, etc.).

My work focuses on how artificial intelligence is transforming the ways in which digital geographic data are produced, updated, and validated.

OpenStreetMap is one of my main case studies, as it represents a very interesting example of collaborative and volunteer-based geographic data production, where AI-based tools are also starting to be integrated (e.g. automatic suggestions, building or road extraction from satellite imagery, mapping assistance systems, etc.).

In particular, my research focuses on the following questions:

  • how the data validation process changes when AI tools are introduced

  • how the relationship between human contribution and automated suggestions is perceived

  • how criteria of reliability and responsibility of geographic data change

  • what role AI plays within mapping production workflows

I am looking for OpenStreetMap contributors who would be willing to have a brief informal chat (around 15–30 minutes, also online). This is not a technical or evaluative interview, but rather a conversation about the real experiences and practices of people contributing to the map.

If anyone is available or would simply like to suggest relevant people or projects related to these topics, I would be very grateful. You can reply directly in this thread or contact me via private message on the forum.

Thank you very much!

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Have you preregistered predictions?

If yes, can you link this preregistered predictions?

Will output of work will be published as open research?

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At this stage, my research is exploratory and qualitative in nature, so I have not preregistered formal predictions. Regarding open research: I plan to share results and presentation slides (Wikipedia for sure), so that the work can be accessible to the community. At the same time, the extent of what I can publicly share will also depend on the publication policies of the conferences or journals where the research will be submitted. Within those constraints, I will aim to make as much material as possible available. That said, I am happy to share insights, general findings, and discuss the research process with the community :slightly_smiling_face:

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It’s an interesting topic,
so I think it would be worth asking this in a new OSM forum thread so that as many people as possible can share their opinions and experiences;

This could be important because then we wouldn’t have to wait several months to read the opinions of other community members and get inspired.

Plus, it seems particularly timely right now, as the 10th anniversary of the AI/Robot vs. Craftmapper debate is approaching:

There will be two European osgeo related conferences this summer, and if you can attend, you’ll have the chance to interview osm/foss4g community members in person.

Open data == [ open questions, open discussions, open dilemmas ]

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