### CN mapping: idea lab for a sustainable and no-harm approach

This workshop was facilitated by the ISOC SIG for Community Network Infrastructure. The participants parted from a look at the GIGA mapping approach <https://maps.giga.global/map> and discussed its pros ((almost in real time) connectivity status in some cases) and cons (doesn't capture many of the local dimensions,  particularly around the community aspects, governance, sustainability, etc.)

We then had a look at three further mapping approaches:

<https://mapa.liberaturadio.org/>

<https://maps.giga.global/map>

<https://github.com/hzrd149/wifistr>

and discussed challenges for a continued, sustainable and no-harm mapping:

- interest to show numbers of CNs to underline their impact, yet, the question of how to represent CCCIs more broadly is controversial
- maintaining a database is challenging over time (especially update data of the networks)
- question of indicators and what exactly we are trying to measure and represent: what should be inside and outside the knowledge base?
- risks: in relation to licensing and exposing networks in sensitive contexts (geo-referential questions, spectrum use, etc...can become exposure points). The right of the community to be mapped or not (groups provide data voluntarily) must be fully recognized.
- question of push/pull for content on a map (ex. organization provides a feed (json file) and register with this on the map)
- Approach: engaging through purpose, scope, indicators, and risk mitigation.
- Access to the map: need for us to define and strengthen our own indicators, which is ultimately part of what this conversation is also trying to address.

**Proposed mapping approach**

The CN mapping approach pursues the goal to raise awareness of the existence and successfully provision of meaningful connectivity by community networks (ccc) with policy makers, donors, public institutions and other stakeholders on the national and international level. At the same time, the map serves communities as an orientation and motivation to engage, collaborate and eventually create their own networks.

To become an updated and recognized resource, the map is conceived as an advocacy tool that will be shared and promoted as yearly updated version (similar to to the map of the state of freedom of expression of Reporters without Borders, Amnesty International or Civicus reports). The publication will provide perspective-based access to the topic, distinguishing for instance these map types:

- world map of legal recognition of CNs
- number and location of legally established CNs
- estimations per country of existing CNs in “grey zones” (to not expose people but show their relevance and need for policy change)
- obstacle map, high-lightening regulatory issues (lack of legal recognition, access to spectrum/WiFi, persecution of connectivity initiatives, high price of licenses, ex. Ghana: need to buy a license as a service provider (price depends on number of users)
- resource library/repository with additional documentation (ex. knowledge base about CNs and different kinds of policies)

Next steps

- Share idea with APC/LocNet, ISOC (and GIGA?) to gain support for the initiative and:
  - document already available resources (ex. policy wiki maintained by Steve Song, CN learning repository, CCC typology, etc.)
  - discuss the taxonomy together
  - share and reflect on technical concept, management & implementation
  - define contributions and engagement
- Further specify the proposal and develop specific tasks to engage research partner / universities in the Africa, Asia and Latin America on the basis of MoU and ToR to become partners for the empirical work of the map (ex. undergraduate student projects)
- Develop participatory map approach (similar to Liberaturadio) where researchers and communities themselves publish information
  - Design call to participate: think of a way to contact networks
- Reflect on timeline and spaces to present the approach:
- check on IGF time & possibilities to present  at IGF (December: Nairobi)