https://wiki.osgeo.org/w/api.php?action=feedcontributions&feedformat=atom&user=Wiki-Sokolic 2026-04-13T11:07:52Z User contributions MediaWiki 1.35.9 https://wiki.osgeo.org/w/index.php?title=AfricaGEO_2014&diff=76040 2014-01-17T08:45:45Z

<p>Wiki-Sokolic: </p> <hr /> <div>''AfricaGEO 2014 OSGeo presence organising page''<br /> <br /> '''Sponsors'''<br /> <br /> {|<br /> |<br /> [[File:foo.png|260px|Acme Widgets|link=http://www.osgeo.org/]]<br /> &lt;br&gt;<br /> http://www.osgeo.org/<br /> |<br /> [[File:foo.png|260px|Acme Widgets|link=http://www.osgeo.org/]]<br /> &lt;br&gt;<br /> http://www.osgeo.org/<br /> <br /> <br /> |}<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> == Purpose ==<br /> <br /> Organise activities around the AfricaGEO 2014 event being held 1-3 July 2014 in Cape Town. See http://www.africageo.org/ for event details.<br /> <br /> == Venue ==<br /> <br /> The Cape Town International Conference Center is a top notch international class venue.<br /> <br /> == Dates and Times ==<br /> <br /> Jul 1-3 2014 (possibly we could hold events before and after the conference center<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> == Agenda ==<br /> <br /> TBD<br /> <br /> == Costs ==<br /> <br /> Participants should plan for the following costs:<br /> <br /> * Travel to Vienna<br /> * Accommodation for four nights<br /> * Breakfast and dinner (partly)<br /> <br /> == Project Plans ==<br /> <br /> TBD<br /> <br /> == Communication ==<br /> <br /> Please join the Africa mailing list: http://lists.osgeo.org/mailman/listinfo/africa<br /> <br /> <br /> == Participants ==<br /> <br /> We are planning to man a stall for each day of the conference. We need volunteers to man the stall, to <br /> <br /> {| style=&quot;border: solid grey 1px; width:100%&quot; class=&quot;sortable&quot;<br /> |+ Participants<br /> |-<br /> | # || Participant || Home || Man Booth || Preparation of materials || Other contributions || contact || Notes<br /> |-<br /> | 1 || [[User:timlinux|Tim Sutton]] || Swellendam, South Africa || yes || yes || Not sure what yet || tim@linfiniti.com || No notes yet<br /> |-<br /> | 2 || [[User:Spatialmatrix|Tobi Sowole]] || Lagos, Nigeria || no || yes || Funding || tobi.sowole@spatialmatrix.com || No notes yet<br /> |-<br /> | 3 || [[User:Sokolic|Frank Sokolic]] || Cape Town, South Africa || yes || yes || Funding, workshops || sokolic@worldonline.co.za || No notes yet<br /> |-<br /> | || || || || || || || <br /> |-<br /> |}<br /> <br /> &lt;!-- | # || Participant || Home || Man Booth || Preparation of materials || Other contributions || contact || Notes --&gt;<br /> <br /> == Individual Preparation ==<br /> <br /> * Bring your own computer<br /> <br /> == FAQ ==<br /> <br /> * **Do I need to be a FOSS GIS guru?** It will help if you know your way around the FOSS GIS stack, but nobody needs to be a guru.<br /> * **Will I earn money for doing this?** In the afterlife maybe, in this one you will probably need to part with some of your hard earned cash to cover conference fees and perhaps chip in for goodies for the stand.<br /> * **Who will pay for the stand.** We are looking for donors.<br /> <br /> == Social Activities ==<br /> <br /> Lets get together for a OSGeo Africa Chapter meetup while we are there!<br /> <br /> == Budget ==<br /> <br /> TBD<br /> <br /> <br /> == Materials ==<br /> <br /> QGIS Flyers: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/42637169/qgis20_brochure_screen.pdf<br /> QGIS Poster: https://t.co/OaotY8dHir (needs updating a little)</div>

Wiki-Sokolic https://wiki.osgeo.org/w/index.php?title=OSGeo_Advocate&diff=66864 2012-10-16T16:58:35Z

<p>Wiki-Sokolic: </p> <hr /> <div>__FORCETOC__<br /> <br /> = Introduction =<br /> <br /> OSGeo Advocates are authoritative OSGeo personalities who have volunteered to talk on behalf of the [http://osgeo.org OSGeo foundation]. Advocates should be able to speak well, even better if they are entertaining.<br /> <br /> There are hundreds, if not thousands of conferences around the world which have an interest in seeing presentations from authoritative speakers, with deep insights into topics related to Open Source Geospatial Software. Luckily, OSGeo is fortunate to draw extensive membership from around the world, and has access to such authoritative figures within most countries.<br /> <br /> = Advocates =<br /> <br /> == Advocate Map ==<br /> <br /> &lt;!-- {{#umAllUserMap: width|height|zoom|centerat|baselayer|navbar}} --&gt;<br /> {{#umAllUserMap:}}<br /> <br /> == Africa:Ghana ==<br /> {{User:Eyedol}}<br /> <br /> == Africa:South Africa ==<br /> {{User:Sokolic}}<br /> === Gavin Fleming ===<br /> {{User:Gfleming}}<br /> {{User:Timlinux}}<br /> <br /> == Asia:India ==<br /> {{User:ravivundavalli}}<br /> <br /> == Asia:Japan ==<br /> {{User:Yoichi}}<br /> <br /> == Asia:Korea ==<br /> {{User:Sanghee}}<br /> <br /> ==Asia:Philippines==<br /> {{User:Maning}}<br /> <br /> == Australia ==<br /> {{User:camerons}}<br /> {{User:jive}}<br /> {{User:NathanW}}<br /> <br /> == Canada ==<br /> {{User:Aross}}<br /> {{User:Dmorissette}}<br /> {{User:Gzeiss}}<br /> {{User:Mdavis}}<br /> {{User:Pwramsey3}}<br /> <br /> == Europe:Czech Republic ==<br /> {{User:Jachym}}<br /> {{User:KarelCharvat}}<br /> <br /> == Europe:France ==<br /> {{User:Djay}}<br /> {{User:JRM}}<br /> {{User:grizonnetm}}<br /> {{User:NBozon}}<br /> {{User:volaya}}<br /> <br /> == Europe:Germany ==<br /> {{User:Arnulf Christl}}<br /> {{User:Astrid_Emde}}<br /> {{User:misev}}<br /> {{User:Stefan_A._Tzeggai}}<br /> {{User:Thomas_Baschetti}}<br /> <br /> == Europe:Greece ==<br /> {{User:Kalxas}}<br /> {{User:ArArgyridis}}<br /> {{User:kotzino}}<br /> <br /> == Europe:Italy ==<br /> {{User:Aaime}}<br /> {{User:Aghisla}}<br /> {{User:Lucadelu}}<br /> {{User:Madi}}<br /> {{User:Maxi71}}<br /> {{User:epifanio}}<br /> {{User:Moovida}}<br /> {{Talk:Markus_Neteler}}<br /> <br /> == Europe:The Netherlands ==<br /> {{User:Ticheler}}<br /> {{User:Milovanderlinden}}<br /> {{User:Genuchten}}<br /> <br /> == Europe:Portugal==<br /> {{User:Lutra}}<br /> <br /> == Europe:Romania ==<br /> {{User:Vasile}}<br /> <br /> == Europe:Spain ==<br /> {{User:Jsanz}}<br /> {{User:Lluís}}<br /> {{User:Vehrka}}<br /> <br /> == Europe:United Kingdom ==<br /> {{User:Ian}}<br /> {{User:Ianturton}}<br /> {{User:JoCook}}<br /> {{User:Stevenfeldman}}<br /> {{User:Sanand}}<br /> <br /> == Latin America:Argentina ==<br /> {{User:Maurimiranda}}<br /> <br /> == Latin America:Brazil ==<br /> {{User:Fsc7}}<br /> <br /> == Latin America:Chile ==<br /> {{User:Perriger}}<br /> <br /> == Latin America: Colombia ==<br /> {{User:Eamado}}<br /> <br /> == Latin America:Mexico ==<br /> {{User:Aborrell}}<br /> <br /> == United States ==<br /> {{User:Alex Mandel}}<br /> {{User:Brian Hamlin}}<br /> {{User:Dnewcomb}}<br /> {{User:Amyonthemap}}<br /> {{User:warmerda}}<br /> {{User:Helena}}<br /> {{User:Surveyor}}<br /> {{User:Mark Lucas}}<br /> {{User:mpg}}<br /> {{User:pmbatty}}<br /> {{User:Rburhum}}<br /> {{User:Sdlime}}<br /> {{User:Woodbri}}<br /> <br /> = Past OSGeo Advocates =<br /> This section lists prior listed Advocates who have not recently updated their profiles.<br /> <br /> = Understanding OSGeo roles =<br /> <br /> Below is an explanation of roles which Advocates might have been involved in as part of OSGeo:<br /> <br /> ====[[File:OSGeo_board.png]] [[File:OSGeo_exboard.png]] OSGeo Board Members====<br /> : We only have 9 active OSGeo board members in the world, which have been peer selected based upon their outstanding leadership in the greater OSGeo community.<br /> <br /> ====[[File:OSGeo_charter.png]] OSGeo Charter Members====<br /> : Charter membership is obtained through a strongly contested selection process. Members tend to be developers and leaders in one or more OSGeo projects, and/or OSGeo business leaders, and have a deep understanding in many of the OSGeo projects and principles of Open Source.<br /> <br /> ==== [[File:SolKatz.png]] Sol Katz Award ====<br /> Every year, OSGeo presents the prestigious [http://www.osgeo.org/solkatz Sol Katz Award] to one individual who has demonstrated leadership and contributed significantly to advance open source ideals in the geospatial realm.<br /> <br /> ====[[File:OSGeo_chair.png]] [[File:OSGeo_psc.png]] Voted position in an OSGeo community====<br /> : These people hold a position of responsibility within one of the OSGeo sub-communities. This may be a chair of an OSGeo committee or board member of a Regional Chapter, or a member of a project's Project Steering Committee (PSC).<br /> <br /> ====[[File:OSGeo_coder.png]] [[File:OSGeo_committee.png]] Developers and Committee Members====<br /> : This is where the real work gets done developing and coordinating development of OSGeo Software.<br /> <br /> ====[[File:OSGeo_user.png]] OSGeo Community Members====<br /> : These people are actively involved in one or more OSGeo communities, acting as practitioners, users, promoters or supporters of OSGeo software. These people tend to have a practical understanding about how OSGeo software works.<br /> <br /> ====[[File:OSGeo_translate.png]] OSGeo Translators====<br /> : These people have translated documentation for OSGeo-Live, and/or OSGeo projects. They usually have an established understanding of OSGeo topics and can present them in local languages.<br /> <br /> = Process for becoming an OSGeo Advocate =<br /> <br /> Anyone fitting one of the [[OSGeo_Advocate#Understanding_OSGeo_roles|OSGeo Advocate categories]], may put themselves forward as an OSGeo Advocate. To do so, you will need to:<br /> * Create an OSGeo wiki account, to edit this wiki (See &quot;login&quot; link in top right of this page).<br /> * Add a portrait photo of yourself using the [http://wiki.osgeo.org/wiki/Special:Upload Upload file] link in left margin in each page.<br /> * Create a new wiki page http://wiki.osgeo.org/wiki/User:YourOSGeoWikiUserName, and populate as per [[User:Template]], (copy and paste from the [http://wiki.osgeo.org/index.php?title=User:Template&amp;action=edit source] so that you see comments in the template).<br /> * You can then add your profile on [[OSGeo_Advocate#OSGeo_Advocates|this wiki page]], under your Region:Country, names ordered alphabetically by First name, using the following:<br /> {{User:&lt;YourOSGeoWikiUserName&gt;}}<br /> <br /> = Annual Refresh of Advocate list =<br /> * The list of OSGeo Advocates will be refreshed annually, after the annual voting of OSGeo Charter Members. This will be achieved by removing lapsed Advocates, then moving all Current Advocates into the Past Advocate section. All Advocates will be invited to update their profile, and move their profile back into the current Advocates section.<br /> <br /> = Expenses =<br /> <br /> This OSGeo Advocate list has been designed to help event organisors find local authoritative speakers. Events wishing to import keynote speakers should anticipate covering expenses of these speakers. Note that OSGeo is a volunteer driven organisation without paid positions of authority and OSGeo doesn't budget to cover travel expenses.<br /> <br /> When budgeting for keynote speakers expect to cover the following expenses:<br /> * Travel, typically including:<br /> ** airfare<br /> ** visa<br /> ** travel insurance (including overseas medical, trip disruption, lost luggage, etc)<br /> ** meals during travel<br /> ** transit costs to local and host airports<br /> * Accommodation<br /> ** standard 3 or 4 star hotel within walking distance of the event<br /> ** high speed internet<br /> * Per diem costs<br /> ** 3 meals a day<br /> * Speakers fee<br /> ** typically $US 1000 per day. (Note that OSGeo volunteer speakers usually have a full time job and will be loosing wages for the duration of the event)<br /> <br /> For a rough guide of travel costs refer to the [http://aoprals.state.gov/web920/per_diem.asp US Department of State costs]<br /> <br /> Individual speakers may waive any of these costs if attracted to the event for other reasons, and final costs are to be negotiated with the selected speaker.<br /> <br /> = Other Resources =<br /> Links to other organizations running a similar process. <br /> * http://www.ogcnetwork.net/node/1585</div>

Wiki-Sokolic https://wiki.osgeo.org/w/index.php?title=User:Sokolic&diff=66863 2012-10-16T16:45:45Z

<p>Wiki-Sokolic: </p> <hr /> <div>===Frank Sokolic===<br /> <br /> <br /> GIS Specialist, GIS Solutions<br /> <br /> Location: Cape Town / Durban, South Africa<br /> <br /> Frank runs a GIS consultancy called GIS Solutions which offers GIS and spatial analysis services to a wide range of clients in South Africa and neighbouring countries. He has been actively promoting open source GIS software since 2009 via workshops and training courses. He also provides business solutions using open source GIS software.<br /> <br /> You can read more about his company at [http://gis-solutions.co.za gis-solutions.co.za].<br /> <br /> ;OSGeo Experience [[File:OSGeo_user.png|link=OSGeo_Advocate#OSGeo_Community_Members]] [[File:OSGeo_translate.png|link=OSGeo_Advocate#OSGeo_Community_Members]]<br /> :<br /> :* English translator for user documentation for the gvSIG project<br /> <br /> ;Contact:<br /> : Email: frank AT gis-solutions DOT co DOT za <br /> : Phone (work): +27-31-2615922<br /> <br /> ;Spoken Language(s): English, Afrikaans, some Spanish <br /> <br /> ;Profile last updated: 16 October 2012 <br /> <br /> {{#umSetParam: 30.994|-29.923|Durban, South Africa|sokolic|Frank Sokolic}}</div>

Wiki-Sokolic https://wiki.osgeo.org/w/index.php?title=User:Sokolic&diff=66861 2012-10-16T16:35:09Z

<p>Wiki-Sokolic: </p> <hr /> <div>== '''Frank Sokolic''' ==<br /> <br /> <br /> GIS Specialist, GIS Solutions<br /> <br /> Location: Cape Town / Durban, South Africa<br /> <br /> Frank runs a GIS consultancy called GIS Solutions which offers GIS and spatial analysis services to a wide range of clients in South Africa and neighbouring countries. He has been actively promoting open source GIS software since 2009 via workshops and training courses.<br /> <br /> You can read more about his company at [http://gis-solutions.co.za gis-solutions.co.za].<br /> <br /> '''Contact'''<br /> Email: frank AT gis-solutions DOT co DOT za <br /> Phone (work): +27-31-2615922<br /> <br /> '''Spoken Language(s)'''<br /> English, Afrikaans, some Spanish <br /> <br /> '''Profile last updated'''<br /> 16 October 2012 <br /> <br /> {{#umSetParam: 30.994|-29.923|Durban, South Africa|sokolic|Frank Sokolic}}</div>

Wiki-Sokolic https://wiki.osgeo.org/w/index.php?title=User:Sokolic&diff=66860 2012-10-16T16:34:13Z

<p>Wiki-Sokolic: </p> <hr /> <div><br /> == '''Frank Sokolic''' ==<br /> <br /> <br /> GIS Specialist, GIS Solutions<br /> <br /> Location: Cape Town / Durban, South Africa<br /> <br /> Frank runs a GIS consultancy called GIS Solutions which offers GIS and spatial analysis services to a wide range of clients in South Africa and neighbouring countries. He has been actively promoting open source GIS software since 2009 via workshops and training courses.<br /> <br /> You can read more about his company at [http://gis-solutions.co.za gis-solutions.co.za].<br /> <br /> '''Contact'''<br /> Email: frank AT gis-solutions DOT co DOT za <br /> Phone (work): +27-31-2615922<br /> <br /> '''Spoken Language(s)'''<br /> English, ... (optional. Not required if you only speak English) <br /> <br /> '''Profile last updated'''<br /> 16 October 2012 <br /> <br /> {{#umSetParam: 30.994|-29.923|Durban, South Africa|sokolic|Frank Sokolic}}</div>

Wiki-Sokolic https://wiki.osgeo.org/w/index.php?title=User:Sokolic&diff=66856 2012-10-16T16:16:01Z

<p>Wiki-Sokolic: </p> <hr /> <div>Based in Durban, South Africa, I co-run a consultancy offering GIS and spatial analysis services to a wide range of clients. We call ourselves GIS Solutions and you can find out more at [http://gis-solutions.co.za gis-solutions.co.za].<br /> <br /> We also provide support and training for FOSS GIS software such as Quantum GIS, gvSIG, MapServer and OpenLayers.<br /> <br /> {{#umSetParam: 30.994|-29.923|Durban, South Africa|sokolic|Frank Sokolic}}</div>

Wiki-Sokolic https://wiki.osgeo.org/w/index.php?title=User:Sokolic&diff=32795 2008-12-01T20:29:02Z

<p>Wiki-Sokolic: </p> <hr /> <div>Based in Durban, South Africa, I co-run a consultancy offering GIS and spatial analysis services to a wide range of clients. We call ourselves GIS Solutions and you can find out more at [http://gis-solutions.co.za gis-solutions.co.za].<br /> <br /> We also provide support and training for FOSS GIS software such as gvSIG, MapWindow and Quantum GIS.<br /> <br /> {{#umSetParam: 30.994|-29.923|Durban, South Africa|sokolic|Frank Sokolic}}</div>

Wiki-Sokolic https://wiki.osgeo.org/w/index.php?title=User:Sokolic&diff=32794 2008-12-01T20:07:07Z

<p>Wiki-Sokolic: </p> <hr /> <div>Based in Durban, South Africa, I co-run a consultancy offering GIS and spatial analysis services to a wide range of clients. We call ourselves GIS Solutions and you can find out more at [http://gis-solutions.co.za gis-solutions.co.za].<br /> <br /> We also provide support and training for FOSS GIS software such as gvSIG, MapWindow and Quantum GIS.</div>

Wiki-Sokolic https://wiki.osgeo.org/w/index.php?title=Frank_Sokolic&diff=32793 2008-12-01T20:04:38Z

<p>Wiki-Sokolic: </p> <hr /> <div>Based in Durban, South Africa, I co-run a consultancy offering GIS and spatial analysis services to a wide range of clients. We call ourselves GIS Solutions and you can find out more at [http://gis-solutions.co.za gis-solutions.co.za].<br /> <br /> We also provide support and training for FOSS GIS software such as gvSIG, MapWindow and Quantum GIS.<br /> &lt;tt&gt;[[Category:OSGeo Member]]</div>

Wiki-Sokolic https://wiki.osgeo.org/w/index.php?title=Frank_Sokolic&diff=32792 2008-12-01T20:02:46Z

<p>Wiki-Sokolic: New page: http://wiki.osgeo.org/wiki/Frank_Sokolic &lt;tt&gt;Category:OSGeo Member</p> <hr /> <div>http://wiki.osgeo.org/wiki/Frank_Sokolic<br /> &lt;tt&gt;[[Category:OSGeo Member]]</div>

Wiki-Sokolic https://wiki.osgeo.org/w/index.php?title=User:Sokolic&diff=32791 2008-12-01T19:49:54Z

<p>Wiki-Sokolic: </p> <hr /> <div>Based in Durban, South Africa, I co-run a consultancy offering GIS and spatial analysis services to a wide range of clients. We call ourselves GIS Solutions and you can find out more at [http://gis-solutions.co.za gis-solutions.co.za].<br /> <br /> We also provide support and training for FOSS GIS software such as gvSIG, MapWindow and Quantum GIS.<br /> <br /> [[Category: OSGeo Member]]</div>

Wiki-Sokolic https://wiki.osgeo.org/w/index.php?title=Africa_Local_Chapter&diff=30790 2008-10-12T18:59:01Z

<p>Wiki-Sokolic: </p> <hr /> <div>Use this page as scratch pad to design activities within the Africa domain, project, local chapter, etc. Maybe it is a good idea to start with a member list with some a short introduction or link to the all members page.<br /> <br /> Please join the [http://lists.osgeo.org/mailman/listinfo/africa Africa] mailing list, and review the [http://lists.osgeo.org/pipermail/africa/ archive].<br /> <br /> <br /> == A RoadMap for OSGeo Africa ==<br /> <br /> Some common refrains from amongst the people I spoke to at FOSS4G2008:<br /> <br /> * we don't know what FOSS GIS products exist<br /> * how do we choose between two or more competing FOSS GIS products that do the same thing<br /> * how can we get training in FOSS GIS<br /> * how do we migrate our existing set up to FOSS GIS<br /> * how can we get (PAID and otherwise) support for FOSS GIS<br /> * where can we get free data<br /> <br /> <br /> There were also some heartwarming success stories of people who have already adopted FOSS in their businesses and municiplities etc. For me when I review the above laundry list of concerns and questions it becomes very obvious that we need to become organised. As such I would like to take the initiative to propose that we form a 5 person working group to start to put things in place. Since I am proposing this, I obviously volunteer to be one of the members and I call on others on this list or beyond to answer this call to arms. The idea of the 5 person working group will be to bootstrap ourselves into an effective organisation which can make its presence felt both locally and beyond the shores of Africa. I also realise that this proposal may not be perfect so consider it a start that we can build on rather than a plan that has to be cast in stone. The main idea will be that each working group member will try to form a small team, typically of 5 members including the team member. Here follows a proposal for a team that will enable us to get organised and effective.<br /> <br /> '''Advocacy Leader:'''<br /> <br /> People don't know they have FOSS alternatives - we need to make them aware - including by making press releases, press materials, attending industry events, making contact with academic, municipal and state bodies and letting them know we exist and want to collaborate.<br /> <br /> Volunteer: ?<br /> <br /> '''Education Leader:'''<br /> <br /> We need to get FOSS GIS into schools, and provide open (e.g. creative commons) curricula. In the case of South Africa the National Curriculum Statement on Geography provides some (albeit vague) guidelines on how GIS should be included in the school curriculum (there is a link to this document on the GISSA website: [http://www.gissa.org.za/sig/education/school-gis School GIS]).<br /> <br /> Volunteer: ?<br /> <br /> '''Training Leader:'''<br /> <br /> * We need to train people to use FOSS GIS.<br /> * First we need to train create a tier of experts / power users, second they need to train people in their local areas. <br /> * We need to start this &quot;&quot;soon&quot;&quot;. <br /> * We need to do this on a free / cost recovery basis. <br /> * We need to establish suitable venues in each regional center that can be used for training. <br /> * We need to build up sets of Free (unencumbered) data that can be used by anyone<br /> * We need to build up training materials that can be used to ease the process of training people.<br /> <br /> Volunteer Leader: ?<br /> <br /> '''Professional Support Leader:'''<br /> <br /> We need to create a body of professionals who can provide on the ground support - there is a huge business opportunity here - we need to take advantage. We will call this the OSGeo Africa Professional Association (or something along those lines). The group will among other things provide a directory of FOSS support and solution providers (along with their location). The group will act as an advisory body to organisations wishing to deploy FOSS GIS.<br /> <br /> Volunteer: Tim Sutton<br /> <br /> '''Community Leader:'''<br /> <br /> We need to build a community - this means building up a responsive, friendly mailing list. We also need to curate our area on the OSGeo wiki and build up other online resources that will allow new and established members in the OSGeo AFRICA community to find up to date relevant and helpful information to address their needs.<br /> <br /> Volunteer: ?<br /> <br /> <br /> [[Category:Local Chapters]]</div>

Wiki-Sokolic https://wiki.osgeo.org/w/index.php?title=Africa_Local_Chapter&diff=30787 2008-10-12T18:37:44Z

<p>Wiki-Sokolic: /* A RoadMap for OSGeo Africa */</p> <hr /> <div>Use this page as scratch pad to design activities within the Africa domain, project, local chapter, etc. Maybe it is a good idea to start with a member list with some a short introduction or link to the all members page.<br /> <br /> Please join the [http://lists.osgeo.org/mailman/listinfo/africa Africa] mailing list, and review the [http://lists.osgeo.org/pipermail/africa/ archive].<br /> <br /> <br /> == A RoadMap for OSGeo Africa ==<br /> <br /> Some common refrains from amongst the people I spoke to at FOSS4G2008:<br /> <br /> * we don't know what FOSS GIS products exist<br /> * how do we choose between two or more competing FOSS GIS products that do the same thing<br /> * how can we get training in FOSS GIS<br /> * how do we migrate our existing set up to FOSS GIS<br /> * how can we get (PAID and otherwise) support for FOSS GIS<br /> * where can we get free data<br /> <br /> <br /> There were also some heartwarming success stories of people who have already adopted FOSS in their businesses and municiplities etc. For me when I review the above laundry list of concerns and questions it becomes very obvious that we need to become organised. As such I would like to take the initiative to propose that we form a 5 person working group to start to put things in place. Since I am proposing this, I obviously volunteer to be one of the members and I call on others on this list or beyond to answer this call to arms. The idea of the 5 person working group will be to bootstrap ourselves into an effective organisation which can make its presence felt both locally and beyond the shores of Africa. I also realise that this proposal may not be perfect so consider it a start that we can build on rather than a plan that has to be cast in stone. The main idea will be that each working group member will try to form a small team, typically of 5 members including the team member. Here follows a proposal for a team that will enable us to get organised and effective.<br /> <br /> '''Advocacy Leader:'''<br /> <br /> People don't know they have FOSS alternatives - we need to make them aware - including by making press releases, press materials, attending industry events, making contact with academic, municipal and state bodies and letting them know we exist and want to collaborate.<br /> <br /> Volunteer: ?<br /> <br /> '''Education Leader:'''<br /> <br /> We need to get FOSS GIS into schools, and provide open (e.g. creative commons) curriculum.<br /> <br /> Volunteer: ?<br /> <br /> '''Training Leader:'''<br /> <br /> * We need to train people to use FOSS GIS.<br /> * First we need to train create a tier of experts / power users, second they need to train people in their local areas. <br /> * We need to start this &quot;&quot;soon&quot;&quot;. <br /> * We need to do this on a free / cost recovery basis. <br /> * We need to establish suitable venues in each regional center that can be used for training. <br /> * We need to build up sets of Free (unencumbered) data that can be used by anyone<br /> * We need to build up training materials that can be used to ease the process of training people.<br /> <br /> Volunteer Leader: ?<br /> <br /> '''Professional Support Leader:'''<br /> <br /> We need to create a body of professionals who can provide on the ground support - there is a huge business opportunity here - we need to take advantage. We will call this the OSGeo Africa Professional Association (or something along those lines). The group will among other things provide a directory of FOSS support and solution providers (along with their location). The group will act as an advisory body to organisations wishing to deploy FOSS GIS.<br /> <br /> Volunteer: Tim Sutton<br /> <br /> '''Community Leader:'''<br /> <br /> We need to build a community - this means building up a responsive, friendly mailing list. We also need to curate our area on the OSGeo wiki and build up other online resources that will allow new and established members in the OSGeo AFRICA community to find up to date relevant and helpful information to address their needs.<br /> <br /> Volunteer: ?<br /> <br /> <br /> [[Category:Local Chapters]]</div>

Wiki-Sokolic https://wiki.osgeo.org/w/index.php?title=User:Sokolic&diff=30784 2008-10-12T18:35:34Z

<p>Wiki-Sokolic: New page: Based in Durban, South Africa, I co-run a consultancy offering GIS and spatial analysis services to a wide range of clients. We call ourselves GIS Solutions and you can find out more at [h...</p> <hr /> <div>Based in Durban, South Africa, I co-run a consultancy offering GIS and spatial analysis services to a wide range of clients. We call ourselves GIS Solutions and you can find out more at [http://gis-solutions.co.za gis-solutions.co.za].<br /> <br /> We also provide support and training for FOSS GIS software such as gvSIG, MapWindow and Quantum GIS.</div>

Wiki-Sokolic