Open Source Geospatial Foundation (OSGeo)
Overview
The Open Source Geospatial Foundation (OSGeo) is a not-for-profit organization that supports and promotes the collaborative development of open geospatial technologies and data. The foundation provides financial, organizational and legal support to the broader geospatial community. It also serves as an independent legal entity to which community members can contribute code, funding and other resources, secure in the knowledge that their contributions will be maintained for public benefit.
History
OSGeo was officially incorporated as a not-for-profit organization in the United States in February 2006. The formation of the foundation was driven by a group of individuals who were involved in various open source geospatial projects and who recognized the need for a formal body to support and promote such initiatives.
Projects
OSGeo supports a wide range of projects, which are categorized into three types: graduated, incubating, and community. Graduated projects are those that have been through the incubation process and have been endorsed by the OSGeo board. Incubating projects are those that are in the process of being reviewed for endorsement. Community projects are those that are not officially endorsed by OSGeo, but are recognized as valuable contributions to the geospatial community.
Community
The OSGeo community is made up of a diverse group of individuals and organizations from around the world. This community includes software developers, GIS professionals, educators, scientists, and many others who all share a common interest in geospatial technology. The community is supported by a variety of mailing lists, forums, and other resources that facilitate communication and collaboration.
Events
OSGeo organizes and supports a variety of events each year. These include the annual FOSS4G (Free and Open Source Software for Geospatial) conference, regional FOSS4G events, and various code sprints, workshops, and other gatherings. These events provide opportunities for community members to learn, collaborate, and network.
Governance
OSGeo is governed by a board of directors, which is elected by the OSGeo charter members. The board is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction of the foundation, managing its finances, and ensuring its legal obligations are met. The day-to-day operations of OSGeo are managed by the foundation's officers and various committees.
Impact
The work of OSGeo has had a significant impact on the geospatial industry. The foundation's projects have been widely adopted and used in a variety of sectors, including government, academia, and the private sector. OSGeo's advocacy for open standards and open data has also influenced the policies and practices of many organizations.