Mapping for Rural Development

Rural development is a process leading to sustainable improvement in the quality of life and economic well-being of people in rural areas, particularly the poor.

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These relatively isolated and sparsely populated areas experience rural poverty, a poverty greater than urban or suburban economic regions due to lack of access to economic activities, and lack of investments in key infrastructure such as education.

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In rural areas, there is less well maintained infrastructure and people have a harder time accessing markets, which tend to be concentrated in population centers.

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Three-quarters of the world’s poor live in rural areas and most earn their living from farming. Enhancing agricultural productivity is thus essential to achieving poverty reduction. Productivity growth in agriculture is also the driving force behind structural transformation.

1. Education and Awareness
1. Local schools and community centers can organize workshops and training programs to educate farmers and residents about environmentally friendly techniques, waste management, and energy conservation.�
2. Infrastructure development
• This includes efficient transportation systems, renewable energy sources, and improved water and sanitation facilities.

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• Support for local enterprises
• Governments and organizations can provide rural entrepreneurs with financial support, technical assistance, and market access.�
• Natural resource management
• Implementing sustainable farming practices, promoting watershed protection, and encouraging responsible forestry are essential steps to preserve biodiversity and maintain the ecological balance.

Rural Development Focus Areas

Atlas of Rural and Small-Town America, U.S. Department of Agriculture

September’s Project

September’s Project: Fair Haven, VT

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Hi TeenMaptivists! Help us map buildings in Fair Haven, Vermont, a town whose population was less than 3,000 people during the 2020 census. Originally founded as a prosperous Milltown, it now primarily functions as a historic small town centered around its thriving slate industry, being known as the "slate capital of the United States".

Vermont is considered the most Rural state in the U.S., with over 65% of the population living in rural areas. This may come as a surprise, since the term "rural" is most often associated with the southern U.S. However, rural communities exist all over the country, and share similar struggles when it comes to education, economic opportunity, infrastructure, and governance.

September’s Project: Fair Haven, VT

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Map only buildings

Use Bing Imagery

Mapping the Task

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• Go to tasks.teachosm.org/
• Click on “Explore Projects”
• Search for Project #: 1667

For this project, we will only be mapping buildings.

Saving Your Edits

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Every 10-15 edits, save your work!

Saving Your Edits

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Leave a short comment stating what you did. For example: “Added Buildings”

Add hashtags: #TeenMaptivists and your school hashtag

School hashtag format: #TM_SchoolInitials

Check this box to allow someone to review your edits!

Submitting Your Edits

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Have you mapped every building in the mapping cell? If yes, select ‘Yes.’ If not, select ‘No.’

Leave a short comment describing the edits you made.

Submit your task.

When you’re done mapping, don’t forget to save your edits. Follow the steps below to ensure you are saving properly.

How to be a Good Mapper: Tips & Tricks

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Let’s Get Mapping!