Whose Knowledge Counts? Analysing Diversity and Exclusion in OpenStreetMap's Tagging Proposals Process

27 August 2026·
Carlos Cámara-Menoyo
Carlos Cámara-Menoyo
· 0 min read
Abstract
This talk analyses how gender inequality shapes OpenStreetMap’s (OSM) tagging proposal process, revealing that diversity gaps intensify at higher participation levels. Maps are never neutral — their makers’ demographics determine whose realities are represented or silenced. Systematically analysing every tagging proposals and votes since its creation using a purpose-built R package, we found that 59 prolific, mostly European and North American male users dominate proposal approval, while feminised proposals are underrepresented and disproportionately opposed. These findings confirm that structural inequities persist regardless of how well-designed, flexible and well-intended technologies may be.
Date
27 August 2026 10:37 — 31 August 2026 20:37
Event
Location

Paris, France

events
OpenStreetMap Equity
Carlos Cámara-Menoyo
Authors
Carlos Cámara-Menoyo (he/him)
Principal Research Software Engineer

I am an interdisciplinary researcher whose research articulates around how physical and digital infrastructures, especially those that are commonly produced, respond to and are shaped by societal challenges. I’ve worked as an architect, drupal developer, project manager, lecturer, data scientist, and currently as Principal Research Software Engineer.

My research interests revolve around the social aspect of technology and methods to surface the world-views that are invariably embedded in technical artefacts such as cities, software or platforms. To do so, I use mixed methods with a preference for digital methods, participatory methods and data visualisation and a keen interest in EDI and open research best practices to make research Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable

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