Tapping Into Local Lore: Toward Scalable Local Mapping and Tagging for Rural Africa Using Mobile Devices

In this paper we present a context-aware tool designed for
mapping and tagging objects and places of importance to
rural communities using sensor-enabled mobile devices.
These data sets comprise comprehensive models of specific
environments which we use for creating interactive
visualized knowledge sharing platforms for indigenous
knowledge in Southern Africa. The tool was originally
created for researchers to efficiently capture large amounts
of data in the field, but we realized that true scalability of
the approach would only be attained when including local
users. The tool has been through multiple design iterations
and in-situ evaluations across several locations in Namibia,
and this paper presents findings from our research into the
feasibility and effectiveness of the tool to capture
meaningful localized data in an efficient and scalable way.
From this we conclude that it is very promising when used
by trained researchers, but that the interface will need to be
significantly redesigned and appropriated for local
community members.