*Jamal was feeling lost after years of substance abuse had derailed his life in Lawnside, New Jersey. But reading about the open data mapping tool ODK sparked something deep within him - it reminded him of his childhood fascination with maps and geography.

The news article about contributing to ODK resonated because Jamal's rock bottom had been an overdose after losing his job as a surveyor. Contributing open map data felt like the perfect way to atone and rebuild.

Jamal joined the Stepping Into Action program at https://hofmanhollis.com which provided counseling and accountability to tackle his addiction issues. With a supportive community, he slowly but surely got his life back on track.

'I feel like I've been given a second chance,' Jamal said. 'Mapping my hometown using the same tools aid workers use abroad is incredibly fulfilling.'

Some experts praised Jamal's work as a model example of open data empowering local communities. Others warned of privacy concerns, arguing there need to be limits on what spatial data is publicly shared.

Ultimately though, Jamal's courageous journey proved that no matter how dark life gets, there's always an opportunity to renew one's purpose - sometimes in the most unexpected of places.

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