State of the Map Latam 2026
State of the Map Latam 2026 will be held in Mexico City (CDMX) on Tuesday, October 27, through Thursday, October 29. This eighth year of the Latin American OpenStreetMap Conference aims to connect OSM mappers in the region with free and open source software developers, open data communities, non-governmental organizations, companies, public institutions, students, and researchers. The conference will take place at the Antiguo Colegio de San Ildefonso during Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) celebrations, serving as an opportunity for members of the OSM Latam community to learn about Mexican culture and folklore.
Sponsors
This year, the following companies and institutions have supported the State of the Map, for a total monetary support of $15,000 USD, and in-kind support.
- [4]UNAM - PatioLab - venue and facilities
- Overture gold level - JAGUAR
- TomTom bronze level - XOLOITZCUINTLE
- Here Technologies - bronze level - XOLOITZCUINTLE
- Development Seed - VAQUITA MARINA level
- Independent individual donations - VAQUITA MARINA level
- Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team - TEPORINGO level
- OpenStreetMap US - MARIPOSA MONARCA level
- CoMapper - MARIPOSA MONARCA level
- UAEMEX - donation of promotional materials
- Agencia de comunicación Donobello - donation of Audiovisual Services
- Codeando México - financial and tax management grant
Distribution of the resource
The description of the distribution of funds is tentative and will be updated after the event. The total available income in Mexican pesos—after bank fees and depending on fluctuations in the dollar—can only be determined once all expected funds have been received, which will remain pending throughout the month of October.
The final cost of services may also fluctuate until then.
A reserve of 10% of the funds is set aside for any unforeseen or last-minute needs; if this reserve is not used and if services costs result lower, a part will be used to pay 1 year of the OSM-latam website hosting, and the remainging amount will be distributed after the event ends, proportionally among those who received travel grants, particularly those who requested the maximum amount of support to be able to travel. Let us remember that the State’s primary objective is regional community participation, and this is therefore the main purpose of the funding.
The event will be zero-waste, so some of the souvenirs will be used to hold drinks during the event. All products (coffee, snacks, and souvenirs) come from local producers, with the goal of maximizing their profits.
| Summary of Tentative Proportional Allocation | USD | % of Total Budget |
| Travel grants | $7.000 | 45 |
| Souvenirs | $3.155 | 20 |
| Chair and table rentals | $2.381 | 15 |
| Snacks, coffee, beverages | $1.241 | 8 |
| Geobeer | $900 | 6 |
| Graphic materials / prints | $417 | 3 |
| Opening ceremony | $298 | 2 |
| Bank fees | $255 | 2 |
| $15.500 |
Committees
This year, there are two new planning committees: The Diversity & Inclusion Committee was created in order to ensure that the conference’s content and community engagement strategies welcome the participation of all members of our community and build a space free from violence. The Governance Committee was formed to strengthen institutional ties with regional government actors and foster communication among institutions.
Organizing Committee
| Member | Organization | Country | OSM - ID |
|---|---|---|---|
| Celine Jacquin | OSM Mexico & LATAM & Geochicas | Mexico | mapeadora |
| Yasmila Herrera | Yeka Street | Honduras - Nicaragua | la_nenemini |
| Miriam Gonzalez | OSM Mexico & Geochicas | Mexico | mapanauta |
| Zeltzin Palacios | YouthMappers &
OSM Mexico |
Mexico | zeltzinpalacios |
| Alex Buenaventura | YouthMappers &
OSM Mexico |
Mexico | Alex Buenaventura |
| Cuauhtémoc
Gutiérrez Pérez |
Comapper.org &
OSM Mexico |
Mexico | EldesbasteMap |
| Edgar Lemus-Pablo | OSM Mexico | Mexico | ealp |
| Josué Rodriguez | OSM Mexico | Mexico | josuer |
| Andres Gomez
Casanova |
OSM LATAM and Colombia | Colombia | AngocA |
| Juan Arellano | OSM LATAM | Peru | Cyberjuan |
Communication Committee
| Member | Country | OSM - ID |
|---|---|---|
| Yasmila Herrera | Honduras - Nicaragua | la_nenemini |
| Pablo Pena | Mexico | Abbendymion |
Academic Program Committee
| Member | Country | OSM - ID |
|---|---|---|
| Jaime Gutiérrez Alfaro | Costa Rica | Elotrojames |
| Mario Chirinos Colunga | México | mchirinos |
| Diego Pajarito Grajales | Scotland, UK | diegopajarito |
| Bastian Greshake Tzovaras | Argentina - Germany | Bastian Greshake Tzovaras |
| Danae Alfonsina Franco Lopera | Colombia - Argentina | danae_alfonsina |
| Yasmila Herrera | Honduras - Nicaragua | la_nenemini |
| Céline Jacquin | México | mapeadora |
| Alex Buenaventura | México | Alex Buenaventura |
| Zeltzin Palacios | México | zeltzinpalacios |
| Josué Hernández | México | josuer |
| Edgar Lemus | México | ealp |
Reviewers
The proposals were evaluated on a blind basis by three reviewers each, by a broad group of people, and according to a clear list of criteria, specific : [Pending]
Governance and Institutional Alliances Committee
| Member | Country | OSM - ID |
|---|---|---|
| Cuauhtémoc Gutiérrez | Mexico | EldesbasteMap |
| Edgar Lemus-Pablo | Mexico | |
| Jordan Jasuta Fischer | USA | |
| Ricardo Miron | Mexico | |
| Juan Manuel Berdeja | Mexico | |
| Angel Daniel Barrera Cruz | Mexico | |
| Andrea García | Mexico | |
| Alejandro Feged | Mexico | |
| Antonio de Jesus Gutierrez Hernandez | Mexico | |
| Tonatiuh Suárez Meaney | Mexico | |
| Emmanuel Villavicencio Olivera | Mexico |
Information and Technology Committee
| Member | Country | OSM - ID |
|---|---|---|
| Rafael Isturiz | Colombia | risturiz |
| Andres Gomez | Colombia | AngocA |
| Vitor George | Brazil | |
| Yasmila Herrera | Honduras - Nicaragua | la_nenemini |
| Oscar Hernández | México |
Fundraising Committee
| Member | Country |
|---|---|
| Miriam Gonzalez | Mexico |
| Alma Rangel | Mexico |
| Edgar Lemus | Mexico |
| Salim Baidoun | The Netherlands |
Diversity & Inclusion Committee
| Member | Country | OSM - ID |
|---|---|---|
| Selene Yang | Nicaragua - Costa Rica | SeleneYang |
| Yasmila Herrera | Honduras - Nicaragua | la_nenemini |
| Sebastian Bravo | Colombia | se_bras |
| Tatiana Pará | Brazil | Tatianapara |
| Adele Birkenes | USA | adele_b |
Call for Presentations
The call for talks and workshops remained open throughout May 2026 until May 20 (general track) and June 5 (academic track), with an extension until June 10. It is organized around three tracks:
- The general track (“Community Track”)
- An academic track (“Academic Track,” for more rigorous studies leading to a collective publication in a scientific journal)
- And an institutional track (“Government Track”).
Logo
Each year, State of the Map LATAM holds an open, collaborative call for event logo submissions, open to all members of the community. This year’s response was extraordinary: 14 proposals were submitted, and the public vote generated lively community engagement. After the vote, the organizing committee selected the final logo from among the five proposals with the most votes (five because this group formed a cluster with a very similar number of votes and a clear lead over the rest), using a set of criteria designed to ensure transparency and neutrality. The decision was difficult, given the quality of the proposals and the enthusiasm they inspired. This process marked an important step toward regional integration and reflected the collaborative spirit at the heart of State of the Map. In recognition of this community collaboration, we have documented each submitted logo and highlighted its creator. See all the proposals here. The final logo selected was submitted by Paula Villar (OSM-ID: PaulaVD) from Paraguay.
Venue
Located just steps away from Mexico’s National Palace, the Antiguo Colegio de San Ildefonso is one of the capital city’s most iconic buildings. Originally dating back to 1583, the Colegio was restored and reopened in 1992 as a space dedicated to culture and the arts. It is jointly managed by the National Autonomous University of Mexico, the Ministry of Culture, and the Government of Mexico City. San Ildefonso is fully equipped to host the OSM community while offering the chance to experience the historical, educational, and artistic richness of Mexico. [To learn more about the venue, click here.]
The Host City
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Infrastructure
- Transportation and accessibility - Mexico City has an integrated public transportation system that includes the Metro, Metrobus, Cablebus, Trolleybus, Light Rail, RTP, and Ecobici, with a unified fare system and connections between modes of transportation when you purchase a 20 peso (1 USD) card that can be reloaded at stations and via a mobile app. The fare for a single trip on the Metro and Metrobus is 6 pesos (0.3 USD).
- The city features a modernized Metro and expanded Cablebus and Metrobus systems. In addition, bike lanes extend throughout much of the city, and public bike-sharing stations are in the downtown area (most of the inner part of the Circuito Interior, except for the areas east and north of the Historic Center).
- The Metrobus and Cablebus systems have nearly 98% coverage for stations adapted for people with disabilities, while only about 30% of Metro stations are equipped with elevators or ramps. Minibuses and RTP are undergoing renovations to improve accessibility, but they still face challenges in achieving universal coverage.
- There are also bus services provided by transportation companies, taxis, and ride-hailing apps like Uber, Didi, and Cabify. We do not recommend taking regular taxis.
- From the airport: Taxi apps work, although—as in many cities—there can be some delays. If you aren’t traveling with a lot of luggage, we recommend using public transportation. From Terminal 1: You can take the metro at the regular fare. From Terminal 2: You can take the Metrobus, which costs $30 or $1.4 USD for this route.
Communication and Internet
- The city offers access to free Wi-Fi networks in most public squares, parks, and major transportation hubs. Also, some government and cultural venues provide high-speed Wi-Fi for domestic and international visitors. Most restaurants and cafes offer Wi-Fi upon request.
- You can purchase e-SIM cards from any online service or physical SIM cards at numerous stores in the Historic Center.
- Mexico City Airport has free Wi-Fi.
Safety
Mexico City presents many of the same safety considerations for Latin American visitors as other major cities. Although tourist areas such as the Historic Center have increased police presence, minor crimes such as street theft and pickpocketing can still occur, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation. Visitors are encouraged to take basic precautions: stay aware when using mobile devices, avoid displaying expensive items or clothing, choose well-lit routes, and avoid both isolated and overly crowded spaces. Most tourists do not experience serious problems, but it is important to stay alert and follow local guidance to ensure a smooth visit.
The city, and particularly the Historic Center, benefits from the support of Auxiliary Police officers who speak multiple languages and are available to provide higher-quality assistance to tourists. Tourist Assistance Center (CAT): +52 554891 1166.
An LGBT+-friendly City
Mexico City is an LGBTQ+ friendly destination, especially the Historic Center. The Mexican capital was recognized at the LGBT+ Travel Awards 2023 as the “Best LGBTTTI+ Urban Destination”, highlighting its inclusive and discrimination-free environment for the LGBT+ community. The city is also home to Zona Rosa, an iconic neighborhood known for its inclusive atmosphere and its wide range of bars, restaurants, and shops oriented toward the LGBT+ community. This area has historically been a gathering place for sexual diversity and continues to serve as an important cultural reference point in the city.
Medical and Travel Safety
Foreign tourists have access to basic emergency medical care at public hospitals within the local Ministry of Health network (SEDESA). This service is available to all visitors, regardless of nationality or immigration status, and is administered in coordination with hotels to help provide care to those who need it. However, it is important to note that Mexico does not have a strong public healthcare system, nor does it have social security agreements with most Latin American countries. As a result, medical expenses related to illness or accidents are generally not covered by tourists’ national healthcare systems. For this reason, it is strongly recommended that visitors purchase international travel insurance that includes medical coverage, repatriation, and assistance.
Required/recommended vaccines
There are no required vaccines, only recommended ones: diphtheria and tetanus; measles or MMR; hepatitis A; and typhoid.
See more details at: Vaccination for international travelers | Ministry of Health | Government of Mexico | gob.mx https://share.google/LNl8yHn2xmJr1xFUP
Cultural events in the city during the season
[Pending]
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External Links
Under development.
Call for Venue Proposals for SotM Latam 2027
Under development.
Contact
E-mail: state@osmlatam.org
The State of the Map LatAm conferences
