The community of OpenStreetMap, the worldwide open-source mapping project, will hold its second annual map-a-thon, called Operation Cowboy, from 23-25 November.

This year’s map-a-thon will focus on the United States, with mappers from all over the world doing fix-ups on U.S. streets and roads, particularly in areas that have not been edited yet.

OpenStreetMap.org is a global volunteer effort to create a free and open map of the world. The project has more than 900,000 contributors working around the Earth. OSM has developed sophisticated software and easy-to-use mapping interfaces that enable all kinds of mappers, from first-timers to experienced professionals, to contribute.

Operation Cowboy is a global map-a-thon, an all-night marathon during the 23-25 November weekend, where mappers come together, in person or online, to create and edit the OpenStreetMap. With lots of munchies, plenty of coffee, and even a beer or two, the event has a party atmosphere. But, at the same time, it is an important opportunity for OpenStreetMappers to get to now each other and share their knowledge.

Experienced mappers will be available at Operation Cowboy events to offer guidance and to show newcomers how they can make valuable contributions to OpenStreetMap.

Past map-a-thons, such as last year’s Night of the Living Maps, made significant contributions to the map, such as marking bus routes and adding parks. This time the USA is the choice, as it has currently a smaller community and the data is mostly very raw due to different imports of public material. As the infrastructure is very similar to the one of central Europe, and so tracing aerial imagery will cause less errors.