Science & Technology

My journey mapping the uncharted world | Tawanda Kanhema

Visit to get our entire library of TED Talks, transcripts, translations, personalized talk recommendations and more. Significant pieces of the globe are literally not on the map: they’re missing from the most widely used mapping platforms, like Google Street View, leaving communities neglected of vital services and humanitarian aid. In this globetrotting talk, photographer Tawanda…

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Visit to get our entire library of TED Talks, transcripts, translations, personalized talk recommendations and more.

Significant pieces of the globe are literally not on the map: they’re missing from the most widely used mapping platforms, like Google Street View, leaving communities neglected of vital services and humanitarian aid. In this globetrotting talk, photographer Tawanda Kanhema takes us along on his journey to map 3,000 miles of uncharted areas in Zimbabwe, Namibia and northern Canada — and shows how we can all contribute to building a more connected world.

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55 Comments

  1. Mykie NMSM

    February 26, 2021 at 7:11 am

    Great work. Great advocacy. As always, an informative Ted talk. Continue discovering and connecting the world in a positive way

  2. DamnHeadHumpers

    February 26, 2021 at 7:25 am

    Great piece!

  3. Kendrick Marshall Ronald Norman

    February 26, 2021 at 8:54 am

    To all Zimbabweans who are here 🇿🇼🇿🇼🇿🇼❤️❤️❤️

  4. Jay Byrd

    February 26, 2021 at 8:54 am

    LMAO, that name is case in point. If you walk into my place of business with a name such as this guys, no chance getting hired. This is not “one world”. We stick with what we know and who we know and smart ones don’t put up with ish way outside the norms of our everyday life. Dudes with names like this they want to become our norms. Straight bull-ish. I mean, can people like this guy with the wakandian name just stay in wakanda and do his preaching from there and help them build their own country supporting infrastructure, or is his job also to beg it from people who do better around the world?

    • Bigouz

      February 26, 2021 at 9:54 am

      Why the hate ? Chill

    • Enmanuel Frias

      February 26, 2021 at 12:05 pm

      you sound miserable not gonna lie

  5. Timmy Njoroge

    February 26, 2021 at 9:01 am

    Wow..

  6. Tanay Sharma

    February 26, 2021 at 9:03 am

    Maps are a way of storytelling. I couldn’t agree more!
    If you notice, this is a common theme and narrative used by modern-day mobile apps. Google Maps, for example, makes sure that a location isn’t just a location. They’ll let you know that you’ve had a story there – maybe you went there once or you want to go there someday? Even their Interface design shows this (flat icon that relates to everyday objects?).

  7. Tracy Burgess

    February 26, 2021 at 9:35 am

    Wow. The beauty held on that continent is beyond breath taking. Thank you so much for your work. May the Universe bless and take care of all who bring this endeavor to fruition.

  8. Simon France

    February 26, 2021 at 10:03 am

    Work in a coca field. Spend time spreading hiv and aids and walkin to a well for miles. U really want a map of that? Its depressing enough.

  9. Angry Pirate

    February 26, 2021 at 10:13 am

    That’s a good talk and a fine scholar’s cradle.

  10. Opeyemi Eniola Sanni

    February 26, 2021 at 10:41 am

    Excellent presentation

  11. arieriapratama

    February 26, 2021 at 10:54 am

    That maps will really help us -people from the outside of the Africa continent- to understand more about Atrican people. Thank you. Such a great project.😁😁

  12. Dr. M. Hfuhruhurr

    February 26, 2021 at 11:11 am

    At sea I did navigation assistance and meteorological work for the United States Navy constantly updating charts (maps) and keeping records with information of waterways from various institutions, observations, and gps. Much like building from blueprints and the input from others, the construction of these systems of knowledge also contribute to greater literacy and navigation for everyone who haven’t yet learned to read as well as everyone who can and need this to get to where the go. Thank you for this Ted talk and the beautiful views! Stay well!

  13. PrK Zoomin

    February 26, 2021 at 11:35 am

    Give thanks for the Gift of Life

  14. Caleb

    February 26, 2021 at 12:03 pm

    Thank you for your representing Zim waita basa

  15. Lisa Love Ministries

    February 26, 2021 at 12:33 pm

    Seek God’s will daily.
    1 John 1:9

  16. Uchronia Utopia

    February 26, 2021 at 12:42 pm

    Congratulations sir great work

  17. Jojo Fatajo

    February 26, 2021 at 1:08 pm

    This was beautiful and inspirational ❤ Thank you

  18. Doug G

    February 26, 2021 at 1:51 pm

    Cool

  19. Arline George

    February 26, 2021 at 2:02 pm

    Beautiful amazing talk. Rise n shine. Thank you, bless you
    All your dreams come true.

  20. R Collinge

    February 26, 2021 at 2:36 pm

    There is a phone app that can give anyone in the world your exact location.
    This app is called What three words. It uses only 3 words to give anyone your exact location.
    Best of all it’s a free to use app !

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    February 26, 2021 at 3:12 pm

    I don’t know who needs to hear this but stop saving all your money. Venture into Investing some, if you really want financial freedom.

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  22. Big Dee

    February 26, 2021 at 3:36 pm

    Sub Saharan Africa has failed to launch … those who walked out … evolved … those who decided to just sit ,, r ur ancestors

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  23. Train Kinder - Simple Leadership Hacks

    February 26, 2021 at 7:57 pm

    Awesome work. Thanks for sharing with us!

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      February 26, 2021 at 8:29 pm

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  24. Samuel Odey

    February 26, 2021 at 10:18 pm

    Great work! Tawanda

  25. Slavv Marynkow

    February 26, 2021 at 11:30 pm

    That’s what – inspirational – truly means.
    One of these people, who can make you think about better future while building it.

  26. ccreel64

    February 27, 2021 at 1:47 am

    What a fabulous project you’ve undertaken! 🤗

  27. JOSHUA OATES

    February 27, 2021 at 4:26 am

    I thought about getting on Ted Talk one day If I plan to run for Hinds County Sheriff in Jackson Mississippi which I plan to do and build a new safe prison with maxium security on the inside and outside.

  28. Kevin Wells

    February 27, 2021 at 8:37 am

    Beautiful narration, and important subject.

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    February 27, 2021 at 1:07 pm

    Go 🇿🇼🇿🇼🇿🇼

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    February 27, 2021 at 7:50 pm

    Who found this early?

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    February 27, 2021 at 7:50 pm

    This guy is spelling truth like Donald Trump

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    February 27, 2021 at 10:31 pm

    BuT wHy WoUlD aNy OnE dO aNy ThInG fOr FrEe

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    February 28, 2021 at 12:22 pm

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    February 28, 2021 at 6:32 pm

    Environmental issues ??? Sub Saharan Africa doesn’t wear shoes … pace yourself

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