Unlike traditional apps where all the data is stored on a central server (in the cloud or in an office), the Mapeo database is integrated into the application on your device, and every device (smartphone or computer) participating in your project can have a copy of all the data. This is called a peer-to-peer database. We made this choice so that Mapeo can work entirely offline and does not require the user to set up any database or machine for storing data.
This peer-to-peer database allows users to transfer data to other users in the field without internet, and several users with computers or smartphones can all work on the same dataset and share edits.
Data ownership and control Data collected with Mapeo is stored directly on the devices used for data collection and can be shared with other smartphones or computers that participate in the same project. This way, the information does not exist solely on one device. No one else, not even us, has access to this data. Mapeo users are the owners of the information collected and have total control over it. In other words, your data stays in your team, in your community. To learn more about the embedded database Mapeo is built on, see the #mapeo-core section.
Peer-to-peer data sharing All devices connected to a peer-to-peer network can have the same hierarchical position within the network. Information is shared directly between different devices using a synchronization process in which each device receives and shares data. Two Mapeo devices can sync with each other at a time, and devices must be part of the same project (ie. using same configuration) to sync with one another. All devices that synchronize end up having the same information, and changes made on one device will be reflected on the other devices after syncing.
Requires a sync protocol We strongly encourage having a methodical synchronization protocol for devices within your project to guarantee that all data is included in the shared database and no data is lost along the way. For all the information collected in a project to be present on the different devices, it is essential to plan how, when, and where the synchronization process between devices will occur. This is especially important in projects where participants work in distant places and do not coincide with other members of their team on a regular basis.
Offline synchronization Through synchronization, users can transfer data to a computer or smartphone in the field completely offline, and several users with computers and smartphones can all work on the same dataset and share edits. Offline synchronization between smartphones and computers is currently done via Wi-Fi. You can create a Wi-Fi network in the field using a cheap ($25) mobile router or a third device capable of serving as an offline hotspot. The Wi-Fi network does not need to have to have an internet connection. Mapeo computers can also synchronize offline using a generated sync file.
Data back-up By synchronizing systematically and on a regular basis with other devices, you ensure that there is a back-up copy of all data. If a device in your project is lost, you can synchronize a new device with another device in the project to restore the data. Any data that has not been synchronized with other devices will not have a backup.
Mapeo was co-designed and developed with Indigenous communities who face threats to their land such as illegal gold mining, oil contamination and poaching. It was built to support frontline groups to document these activities in order to take community action against them, report key information to authorities, file lawsuits, launch media campaigns, or create maps for land claims. To learn more about how Mapeo is currently being used, see How Mapeo is being used.
Mapeo is open source software that benefits from continued feedback from our users across the world.
Simple to use and learn Even if you have never used a smartphone phone before, you can learn to collect data, GPS points and photos with Mapeo Mobile in a few hours. Mapeo Desktop does require some computer skills, but has a simple interface with a limited number of features. For more complex analysis or mapping work you can export your data to other tools. The simplicity of the tools helps support wide community involvement and ownership of projects.
Works in completely offline environments All data collected or created with Mapeo is stored directly on your device in Mapeo's embedded database, without the need for an internet connection or centralized server. Users of Mapeo Mobile and Desktop can synchronize or exchange data over a local Wi-Fi network. The data never leaves your local Wi-Fi network and does not require an internet connection. Mapeo Desktop can also exchange information via a file using a USB drive.
Uses a peer-to-peer database All the data you collect using Mapeo is stored locally on your device, not on a server or on the internet. When you synchronize with other Mapeo users in your project, you each get a copy of the data that each person has collected, so every device ends up with a complete copy of all the data in the project.
Highly customizable You can customize the language, maps and information you collect. You can add detailed offline maps of your area, and change the icons and questions used for data collection. Mapeo has been translated into a number of languages already and anyone can add more.
Secure, unfalsifiable data All data collected with Mapeo has encrypted logs that can be verified for authenticity. Similar to a blockchain, data is secured by cryptographic proofs, so you can verify that no record in the log has been changed or tampered with. Private projects can be created using secure project keys which limit who one can synchronize data with.
Mapeo is a set of digital tools, designed to support collaborative data collection and mapping in offline environments.
There are two highly-customizable Mapeo apps that can be used together or individually, depending on your goals:
Mapeo Mobile and Desktop are built on top of Mapeo Core, an embedded peer-to-peer database that allows users to own their own data, directly on their devices, without the need for an internet connection or to share information with a centralized server.
Mapeo Mobile is a smartphone application (currently for Android only) that allows you to collect and map information. Using your phone's GPS, you can mark points on a map for your current location and add photos, notes and other details about what is happening. Information can be shared with collaborators who are using Mapeo, or with external contacts via email or other messaging apps.
Mapeo Mobile can be translated into local languages, customized to use offline maps, and tailored to collect specific types of information.
Mapeo Desktop is a computer application that allows you to aggregate, view and manage data collected with Mapeo Mobile. Data from Mapeo Desktop can be shared with collaborators who are using Mapeo or exported to PDF reports, CSV files, GeoJSON files or published to the web using Mapeo Webmaps.
Mapeo Desktop also offers a simple interface for adding or creating territory information for making maps. It provides a basic set of mapping features that are more accessible to new tech users than other available geographic information tools, but exporting maps requires knowledge of other software.
Like Mapeo Mobile, Mapeo Desktop can be translated into local languages, customized to use offline maps, and tailored to collect specific types of information.
Mapeo Mobile and Mapeo Desktop are both built on top of Mapeo Core to securely store the geographic data, details and media created by users. Mapeo Core is an offline-first, peer-to-peer embedded database that allows users to own their own data, directly on their devices, without the need for an internet connection or to share information with a centralized server.
Mapeo Core is built upon Hypercore, which is an append-only log of actions (create, edit, delete data). Data is secured by cryptographic proofs -- every record written has a signature that also references the signature of every previous record/row in the log -- so you can never change or edit anything already written to the log. For more on Mapeo Core and data integrity, see here.
To learn more about additional tools and modules that support use of Mapeo, see Mapeo repositories in the FOR DEVELOPERS section.
Mapeo is currently being used by a variety of communities around the globe to support territory mapping and monitoring efforts. Below are a few examples. For more detailed case studies, partner stories and information about other tool for mapping and monitoring, check out our Earth Defenders Toolkit website.
Indigenous Community monitors working within ECA Amarakaeri in South East Peru are using Mapeo Mobile and Desktop as part of a co-management program of a Reserved area. Together with park rangers, they collect data on illegal gold mining and other impacts to the Reserve and use these for internal decision making and action as well as sharing with the authorities for any illegalities to be addressed.
The Ogiek Indigenous People of Mount Elgon are using Mapeo Mobile and Desktop to map important sites on their lands as part of a historical land claim.
The Siekopai people of Northern Ecuador used Mapeo Desktop in their villages to explore satellite imagery of their ancestral lands with the elders, and document stories associated with lakes and old settlements. Watch video.
Village health volunteers in coastal Thailand are using Mapeo to collect data on vulnerable people, to ensure they can receive immediate and targeted help in case of natural disaster.