Mapping Mt. Ushba – How to Create a High-Quality Map Product From Open Data With Free Software

Abstract

Abstract. Mt. Ushba is a famous mountain in the Great Caucasus characterized by its iconical double peak. In addition, the surrounding Georgian region of Svaneti is known for its medieval defense towers, what makes the area a rising tourism destination. Climbers, hikers and visitors alike need maps for planning their tours, so there is a demand for a reliable map. The paper aims to present the production of an Alpine Club map to demonstrate how high-quality map production is possible by combining open data and, wherever possible, open-source software. An important result is a widely transferable workflow for mapmakers. It offers lowcost solutions in the production of a digital elevation model, which combines multi-stereo satellite images from Planet Labs and GNSS measurements, and an organized, dynamic mapping with OpenStreetMap. Moreover, free satellite images have been used to derive land cover information. While the final map will be sold as a commercial product, most geo-data are freely available. The OpenStreetMap data is improved and completed through fieldwork, and toponyms are collected in a combination of existing maps, signposts and information by locals. Our contribution may strengthen the spread of this sustainable database to many other digital services, resp. maps, which are using OpenStreetMap. Due to the complexity of the overall project, this paper describes the current status, some aspects are still under development.