On December 16, 2022, G-SIG marked its first collaboration with the Faculty of Engineering Science and Technology at the National University of East Timor (UNTL) in Hera. This collaboration is aim to provide venue in a workshop dedicated to introducing OpenStreetMap (OSM) to the students of the Faculty.

Led by our Executive President and G-SIG members, the workshop drew over 70 students from the Departments of Geology and Petroleum Engineering and Civil Engineering. The focus of the session was to provide an in-depth understanding of OpenStreetMap, encompassing its introductory aspects, applications, and the numerous benefits it offers for the development geospatial data in Timor-Leste.

During this workshop, G-SIG members extended a warm invitation to Mr. Orlando from World Vision Timor-Leste, adding a valuable perspective to the discussion. Mr. Orlando shared insights into the benefits of OpenStreetMap and its utilization by existing non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Timor-Leste. His presentation offered attendees a practical understanding of how OpenStreetMap contributes to the efforts of NGOs, showcasing real-world applications and the positive impact it has on various projects across the country specially from World Vision Timor-Leste.

This workshop serves as an important milestone, laying the foundation for future collaborations between G-SIG and the university. Its primary objective was to familiarize students and the institution with OpenStreetMap, offering insights into its practical applications and guiding them on how to initiate their work with OSM in the context of Timor-Leste's development. G-SIG is committed to fostering a culture of geospatial awareness and skill development, and this workshop marks the beginning of an enriching journey for both the students and the university.