The Underground Atlas Project: Can We Really Crowdsource the Underground Space?

It has been almost two years since the launch of the Underground Atlas Project (UAP) and since a crowdsourcing database is, by its nature, a fairly dynamic one, the experience gained and feedback that was received provide guidance towards the next steps. The paper analyzes the positive impact of the UAP, addresses issues that appeared during the testing period of the UAP and outlines the improvements and additions implemented based on the responses. Decisions regarding the implemented actions were based on web traffic statistics analysis, literature review and empirical data. The outcome of the analysis led to a major redesign of the UAP that now offers more functionality and interactivity both to the academics and the public. The new features can be divided into four major categories, freeing restrictions from the public contribution, enhancing the interface visually and interactively, improve App functionality and data dissemination. The new features have been implemented using the latest technologies regarding web and mobile applications.