Open Data for a Resilient Dodoma: Celebrating Open Data Day 2025

The Open Data Day 2025 event in Dodoma brought together open data advocates, government entities, researchers, NGOs, and YouthMappers under the theme “Open Data for a Resilient Dodoma.” Hosted by OpenGeoCity Tanzania with support from Open Knowledge Foundation (OKFN) and Datopian, the event highlighted the impact of open data in urban planning and environmental sustainability. Participants engaged in hands-on training, discussions, and interactive activities aimed at fostering data-driven decision-making for urban resilience.

Empowering Communities Through Open Data

Dodoma’s rapid urban growth demands open data solutions for sustainable development. The event equipped participants with skills in GIS, remote sensing, and digital mapping to address challenges like climate resilience, infrastructure planning, and land use management. Through practical exercises, attendees learned how open data can enhance transparency, optimize resources, and improve governance.

Key Highlights

The event featured insightful sessions, training workshops, and networking opportunities:

Workshops & Training

• QGIS for Town & Environmental Planning – Hands-on GIS training for land use and sustainability projects.

• Remote Sensing & Urban Heat Island Mapping – Using satellite imagery to assess climate impacts and monitor environmental changes.

• Introduction to iD Editor & OpenStreetMap (OSM) Mapping – Improving spatial data accessibility through open mapping.

Interactive Knowledge Sharing

• Presentations from UDOM & IRDP YouthMappers on community-driven mapping and how student-led initiatives contribute to national development.

• Discussions on the role of open data in urban governance, focusing on improving infrastructure, transportation planning, and public service delivery.

Activities & Networking

• Live Kahoot! quiz sessions testing knowledge of open data applications, making learning engaging and interactive.

• Networking opportunities connecting professionals and potential collaborators to discuss future projects and partnerships.

• Closing session with certificates, gifts, and group photos to celebrate participation and achievements.

Challenges & Lessons Learned

• More time is needed for advanced hands-on training sessions to ensure in-depth learning and practical application.

• Enhancing outreach by involving more local government officials to strengthen policy discussions and integrate open data into development strategies.

What’s Next?

OpenGeoCity Tanzania aims to: Expand training programs in GIS, remote sensing, and open mapping tools to reach more students and professionals. Strengthen partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, and private firms to integrate open data into policy-making processes. Promote community-driven mapping projects for sustainable urban development, ensuring data accessibility for all stakeholders. Organize follow-up workshops and hackathons to keep engagement high and provide continued learning opportunities.

Gratitude to Our Supporters

Special thanks to Open Knowledge Foundation (OKFN) and Datopian for their invaluable support in making this event a success. Their contribution has empowered local communities to embrace open data and leverage technology for urban resilience.

Join the Open Data Movement!

Open data fosters smarter cities, informed decision-making, and inclusive development. Whether you’re a policymaker, researcher, student, or GIS enthusiast, your contribution matters. By engaging with open data, individuals and organizations can drive transparency, accountability, and better urban planning solutions.

💡 Stay connected with OpenGeoCity Tanzania on Twitter and LinkedIn for updates on future events and training opportunities. Let’s continue working together to build a smarter and more sustainable Dodoma through open data initiatives.

📷Event Highlights: