Hello Local Guides,
I’m Sophat CHY, a Cambodian Digital Content Creator and Lead of the Cambodia Local Guides Community. Our community has worked together on impactful initiatives — from the Google Maps Location Violations Investigation Report (2025) to Mega Edit Marathons that improved map data across 18 provinces.
Now, we continue our journey with a new mission — “The Spirit of Osoam.”
This meet-up aims to bring together passionate Local Guides and eco-travel storytellers to explore, document, and improve digital visibility in Cambodia’s Cardamom Mountains, one of Southeast Asia’s last great rainforests.
Meet-Up Theme
“Eco-Tourism, Storytelling, and Digital Mapping for Sustainable Travel.”
We’ll explore how local communities live with nature, how eco-tourism sustains livelihoods, and how our Local Guides can enhance Osoam’s visibility through Google Maps, Street View, and responsible reviews.
Objectives
- Promote Osoam Community Eco-Tourism through accurate map data and authentic visuals.
- Conduct on-site map verification — checking coordinates, routes, and homestay listings.
- Capture new Street View imagery for key eco-tourism sites (if sponsorship permits).
- Share community stories about sustainability, reforestation, and local livelihoods.
- Strengthen our commitment to Digital Sovereignty and Responsible Tourism.
Schedule Overview
| Day | Theme | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | The Road to Osoam | Travel from Phnom Penh, document routes and mountain passes |
| Day 2 | Life in the Cardamoms | Meet locals, homestay visit, eco-tourism interviews |
| Day 3 | The Adventure Trail | Visit waterfalls, Phnom 1500, forest trails |
| Day 4 | The Digital Connection | Mini digital awareness session & reflection before return |
What Participants Will Do
- Add and update local listings (homestays, cafés, nature spots) on Google Maps
- Take photos and 360° images for Street View contribution
- Share experiences through Local Guides Connect recaps
- Join a mini workshop on eco-tourism and responsible travel
Expected Impact
- Strengthen Osoam’s visibility on Google Maps
- Encourage sustainable tourism and digital literacy among local hosts
- Support Cambodia’s Digital Tourism and Sovereignty Initiative
- Continue the Local Guides legacy of meaningful community contribution
Who Can Join
- Participants must have their own ride (motorbike or car)
- Bring their own camera or smartphone for photo and map contribution
- All participants are self-funded (own travel, food, and stay)
- Eco-travel photographers & content creators
- Community members passionate about digital mapping and nature
