This year I created the LocData Project. It is an online, crowdsourced map that collects data on localization points of interest around the world, like translators associations, LSPs, technology, academic programs, and certifications.
Making the Map
I’d never tried crowdsourcing or geographic mapping before, so this project took a lot of independent research and trial and error. I eventually settled on using the platform ArcGIS, and I created a crowdsourcing form in Survey123. Users can fill out a form, including a built-in map to search addresses and place names. The questions are responsive depending of how the survey is filled. Users with ArcGIS accounts (available to all students at the Middlebury Institute) can also access the information inside the map, export its data, and review Survey123’s built-in analytics.
Designing a survey that would work for collecting this type of data was difficult, because most things in life really don’t fit into tiny boxes. I tried to think about how users would actually end up using the map and designed questions that could allow people to filter according to what I imagine they might need.
Another challenge was getting data to import externally. It’s actually quite simple to import data from a CSV into the map, but the data has to be spotless and follow the exact same formatting as the survey, which most data you pull from online doesn’t. Down the road, if future people working on this project come across comprehensive data sets, it’ll be worth automating.
Stop Hiding Key Information
A big realization I had during the collection process is that companies and schools are not very good at marketing themselves. Or if they are, they purposely obscure the kind of data I was looking for. For example, on many degree program pages, it was difficult to locate what languages they offer translation courses in. I actually ended up applying this lesson quickly in my own life. I also worked for the Middlebury Marketing and Communications department this year, and was asked to look over pages for the Institute’s new joint TI/TLM degree: I immediately rapid fired back a response that the page needed to list language pairs and entrance requirements.
Hiring Newcomers
At the end of the semester, I also oversaw the hiring for three new students. I wrote a job listing and came up with criteria and interview questions for evaluating respondents. I also attended interviews and created handoff materials. I’m excited to see where the project goes next. I made a framework for collection, but it’s still far too early to pull the data to make too many sweeping generalizations about the industry. Now that the project has expanded from me to three people, I’m looking forward to seeing the data grow.