Mapping for Public Safety in Vernon, Alabama

At our latest Teen Maptivists meeting, we focused on the May theme: Mapping for Public Safety. This month’s project connected our mapping skills with real-world public health and emergency response by contributing to OpenStreetMap. 

Our team worked on adding and improving building data for Vernon, Alabama, a small town where detailed maps can make a big impact. Accurate mapping helps public health officials respond more effectively during emergencies—like disease outbreaks or natural disasters—by identifying high-risk areas, directing resources, and supporting better decision-making. 

As we traced rooftops and updated building footprints, we talked about how even small contributions like these can support lifesaving interventions, from emergency medical aid to long-term environmental health planning. Every mapped building helps make the community more visible, more resilient, and ultimately, safer. 

Thanks to everyone who joined in and made a difference.