FOSS4G 2011/Test page

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Top 10 Reasons to Attend FOSS4G 2011 in Denver The Event Presents Great Value and Rare Opportunity

DENVER, July 27, 2011 -- The Free and Open Source Software for Geospatial (FOSS4G) conference is the premier international conference focused on open source geospatial software. The event, which will take place in Denver from Sept. 12-16, presents a number of unique learning opportunities at a great value compared to similar professional conferences.

Following are the Top 10 reasons to consider attendance at this event.

1. Open source software for geospatial is gaining strong momentum with high performance and high-profile use cases, and you need to know what's available. If you are currently using closed source commercial software, you owe it to yourself and your organization to understand the capabilities, cost justifications, and the community of open source geospatial software developers. 2. Location: Denver is the recognized geospatial hub of the United States with many commercial geospatial data providers, commercial software companies, engaged software developers, and a wide array of federal agencies that create and manage geospatial data and applications. Coming to this hub will expose attendees to an engaged and vibrant community to interact and learn from. 3. Location: This is the first of these global gatherings to take place in North America in the past four years, and will likely not be repeated soon. The event makes its way around the world on a yearly basis, and if you live and work in North America, this is a chance to catch it while it’s close. 4. Location: The weather and touring possibilities make it an excellent draw for global participants. The timing coincides with peak golden aspen viewing in the mountains, with typically clear and crisp autumn weather. Denver is also a key jumping off point for tours of the scenic American west, including many of the large national parks that are within a day’s drive. 5. Gain a global perspective with presentations from speakers from around the world. 6. An introductory immersion welcomes newcomers with concentrated content to get you up to speed. With an all-day planned as an introduction, it’s a prime opportunity to understand what’s available and at a very low cost of only $149 for the day. 7. This is the top educational event for detailed workshops and sessions on tools, custom development, and applications. Again, there is great value here with Monday workshops at only $149 each, and one-day registration at only $349. 8. Evening social gatherings, big party night, and informal meetings make this a prime event to meet peers and extend your social network. 9. The event draws top developers in the community who are developing the next-generation tools. If you are looking for top talent to act as consultants in creating custom tools or to integrate FOSS solutions with your commercial implementations, this is the marketplace to meet them. 10. It’s rare to encounter such a dedicated group of individuals on a mission to change the world with software. Be part of the movement to extend the reach and possibilities of Open Source Software for Geospatial and put a little passion in your work.

If you still aren’t convinced, you can watch this video http://vimeo.com/osgeo/foss4g2011 from the local committee with a personal appeal, and insistence, that you come to FOSS4G in Denver.

About FOSS4G FOSS4G is the global conference focused on Free and Open Source Software for Geospatial that is organized by the Open Source Geospatial Foundation (OSGeo) with support from an all-volunteer organizing committee and professional conference management from the Geospatial Information Technology Association (GITA). The 2011 FOSS4G event in Denver marks the first North American event in four years, with the prior three events taking place in Barcelona, Sydney and Cape Town.

SOURCE: FOSS4G Organizing Committee

RELATED LINKS: http://2011.foss4g.org/ FOSS4G Denver 2011 http://www.osgeo.org/ Open Source Geospatial Foundation http://stateofthemap.org/ State of the Map Conference http://www.gita.org/ Geospatial Information Technology Association

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TITLE: FOSS4G Open Source Geospatial Conference Unveils Program Content Subhead: A Broad Range of Topics Are Addressed More Than 140 Presentations

DENVER, June 15, 2011 -- The Free and Open Source Software for Geospatial (FOSS4G) conference has just announced the lineup of presentations that features more than 140 individual talks with noted plenary speakers. FOSS4G is the premier international conference focused on open source geospatial software. The selection of presentations was very competitive, with 300 submissions for roughly 150 session slots.

The five-day event includes two days of workshops followed by three days of sessions that cover a broad range of technical topics, tool-specific tutorials, application case studies, lightning talks, panel discussions and overviews. The breadth of content address a full range of technical expertise, applications, regional interests, and business purposes.

Among the program highlights regarding the use of open source software are:

A full-day introduction to geospatial open source with case studies and business cases Workshops and tutorials on popular open source geospatial tools such as PostGIS, GRASS, GeoServer, GeoNode, MapFish, Geomajas, Spatial Wiki, GeoTools, etc.   Workshops and sessions organized by educators for educators Sessions regarding open spatial data and spatial data infrastructure directives Timely sessions addressing such applications as mapping the BP oil spill, monitoring flood waters, and responding to the earthquake in Japan Several sessions of five-minute lightning talks

Plenary speakers and topics for the event include:

Michael Byrne, Geospatial Information Officer of the Federal Communications Commission, talking about the National Broadband Map, which is based on an open source software stack, and implements some innovative ideas regarding open data Peter Ter Haar, Director of Products at Ordnance Survey, the national mapping agency of Great Britain, speaking about their experience with open data initiatives and open source software Steve Coast, founder of OpenStreetMap, talking about the past, present and (mainly) future of this wiki-style collaborative geospatial data creation phenomenon Paul Ramsey, a team member of OpenGeo and founder of the PostGIS spatial database discussing different open source business models A panel on "Open x 4" that will discuss various aspects of openness for open source, open data, open street mapping, and open standards

The event has strong support from major sponsors that include Esri, Google, OpenGeo, MapQuest, Newmont, RadiantBlue, and Safe Software. Additional support at the bronze level include AppGeo, Azavea, Camptocamp, EOX, GeoCat, GeoIQ, GeoSolutions, Korem, MapGears, Metaspatial, Oracle Spatial, SkyGone, Spatial Networks, Spatialytics and Terrestris.

You can view the full program at http://2011.foss4g.org/program/session-schedule. The deadline for early registration, with the cheapest price, is June 30.

About FOSS4G FOSS4G is the global conference focused on Free and Open Source Software for Geospatial that is organized by the Open Source Geospatial Foundation (OSGeo) with support from an all-volunteer organizing committee and professional conference management from the Geospatial Information Technology Association (GITA). The 2011 FOSS4G event in Denver marks the first North American event in four years, with the prior three events taking place in Barcelona, Sydney and Cape Town.

SOURCE: FOSS4G Organizing Committee

RELATED LINKS: http://2011.foss4g.org/ FOSS4G Denver 2011 http://www.osgeo.org/ Open Source Geospatial Foundation http://stateofthemap.org/ State of the Map Conference http://www.gita.org/ Geospatial Information Technology Association

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TITLE: Open Source Geospatial Conference Offers Entry-Level Content Subhead: Day-Long Offering Provides an In-depth Introduction

DENVER, May 12, 2011 -- The Free and Open Source Software for Geospatial (FOSS4G) conference offers a full-day introduction for newcomers at the 2011 conference, which will be held Sept. 12 - 16 in Denver, CO, USA. FOSS4G is the premier international conference focused on open source geospatial software.

The broad introduction to the world of geospatial open source software takes place on Tues., Sept. 13. The maturity of the software in recent years rivals closed source software, and it is being used by a wide range of commercial and government organizations for many mission-critical applications. If your organization is paying for geospatial software and you haven’t yet evaluated open source software, this is a great way to find out more.

The introduction will address common questions and misconceptions about open source software, including:

Is the software really free? (Yes) Do its capabilities really compare with closed source software? (Yes) Can I get support? (Yes) Can it work together with my existing closed source software? (Yes)

Several case studies will be presented, with details on the tools deployed, how they were implemented, and the results that were achieved. There will also be a panel discussion that focuses on the various business models for making money using open source geospatial software.

The day will work equally as a standalone event, or as a way to get up to speed for the subsequent FOSS4G conference, which provide three more days of detail on software and projects, and an opportunity to meet the leading developers and companies working in open source geospatial.

Learn more about the introductory day-long session at http://2011.foss4g.org/intro-details/

About FOSS4G FOSS4G is the global conference focused on Free and Open Source Software for Geospatial that is organized by the Open Source Geospatial Foundation (OSGeo) with support from an all-volunteer organizing committee and professional conference management from the Geospatial Information Technology Association (GITA). The 2011 FOSS4G event in Denver marks the first North American event in four years, with the prior three events taking place in Barcelona, Sydney and Cape Town.

SOURCE: FOSS4G Organizing Committee

RELATED LINKS: http://2011.foss4g.org/ FOSS4G Denver 2011 http://www.osgeo.org/ Open Source Geospatial Foundation http://stateofthemap.org/ State of the Map Conference http://www.gita.org/ Geospatial Information Technology Association

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TITLE: Open Source Geospatial Conference Announces Workshop Lineup Subhead: A Stable of Hands-On Offerings Available

DENVER, March 8, 2011 -- The Free and Open Source Software for Geospatial (FOSS4G) conference has released a lineup of 24 hands-on workshops for the 2011 conference, which will be held Sept. 12 - 16 in Denver, CO, USA. FOSS4G is the premier international conference focused on open source geospatial software.

The bulk of the workshops provide an opportunity for in-depth insight into different tools of the open source geospatial stack from leading developers and practitioners. Many of the workshops focus on the customizing of code to match specific needs. There are also several introductory courses to help the novice gain familiarity with capabilities and applications of this robust software.

The three-hour workshops will take place in morning and afternoon sessions on Monday, Sept. 12 and Tues., Sept. 13, with the main conference running from Wed. through Fri. Computers will be provided to participants. A full lineup of workshops, with descriptions, can be found online at http://2011.foss4g.org/workshops/.

There is pent up demand in the North American market for this content given the growth in open source geospatial solutions and the fact that this is the first time this international event will return to a North American venue in four years. Workshops often reach full capacity, so the time to act is now.

The event has strong support from major sponsors that include Esri, Google, OpenGeo, MapQuest and Newmont. Additional support at the bronze level include Camp to Camp, EOX, GeoCat, GeoIQ, GeoSolutions, Korem, MapGears, Metaspatial, Oracle Spatial, Spatial Networks and Terrestris.

About FOSS4G FOSS4G is the global conference focused on Free and Open Source Software for Geospatial that is organized by the Open Source Geospatial Foundation (OSGeo) with support from an all-volunteer organizing committee and professional conference management from the Geospatial Information Technology Association (GITA). The 2011 FOSS4G event in Denver marks the first North American event in four years, with the prior three events taking place in Barcelona, Sydney and Cape Town.

SOURCE FOSS4G Organizing Committee

RELATED LINKS: http://2011.foss4g.org/ FOSS4G Denver 2011 http://www.osgeo.org/ Open Source Geospatial Foundation http://stateofthemap.org/ State of the Map Conference http://www.gita.org/ Geospatial Information Technology Association

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TITLE: Open Source Geospatial Conference Calls for Speakers Subhead: Education for All Levels of Ability and Experience

DENVER, Feb. 22, 2011 -- The Free and Open Source Software for Geospatial (FOSS4G) conference is reaching out to speakers interested in presenting at the 2011 conference that will be held Sept. 12 - 16 in Denver, CO, USA. FOSS4G is the premier international conference focused on open source geospatial software. The open source geospatial toolset is mature with enterprise-class deployments across the globe at all levels of enterprise for a wide variety of applications.

Users and developers are encouraged to present their latest projects and software development work to demonstrate the power of open source geospatial solutions. The organizers are looking for a good mix of content for all levels of ability and experience with open source. In addition to high-caliber sessions for developers, there are plans for several workshops and sessions that will welcome non-technical decision makers to the power, capability and compelling business case for open source geospatial software.

Presentation topics will include case studies of open source applications, benchmarks of performance between different components, visualization tips and tricks, and new tool developments, hacks and mashups. In addition to the core focus on free and open source software, this year’s conference will also feature a major focus on free and open data. Content may cover systems that are solely open source or a combination of open and closed source solutions.

Sessions will run in seven concurrent tracks with space for around 135 presentations in both a regular program and an academic program. Presentations will either fill 30-minute slots with time for questions or 5-minute lightning talks. Proposals can be submitted online at http://2011.foss4g.org/program/.

There is pent up demand in the North American market for this content given the growth in open source geospatial solutions and the fact that this is the first time this international event will return to a North American venue in four years. “With the current strong interest in open source geospatial solutions, we anticipate an attendance of around a thousand people” said Peter Batty, conference committee chair and vice president of geospatial technology at Ubisense, Inc. “We have a great venue and an experienced organizing team, and believe this will be one of the premier geospatial events of 2011.”

This year’s FOSS4G event is also adjacent to State of the Map, the annual international conference focused on OpenStreetMap, the wiki-style creator and provider of free geographic data that has recently garnered corporate support from both MapQuest and Microsoft. The ability to attend both events with one trip to Denver in September makes for a great opportunity to learn about the latest developments in the geospatial industry.

The event has strong support from major sponsors that include Esri, Google, OpenGeo, MapQuest and Newmont. Additional support at the bronze level include Camp to Camp, EOX, GeoCat, GeoIQ, GeoSolutions, Korem, MapGears, Metaspatial, Oracle Spatial, Spatial Networks and Terrestris.

About FOSS4G FOSS4G is the global conference focused on Free and Open Source Software for Geospatial that is organized by the Open Source Geospatial Foundation (OSGeo) with support from an all-volunteer organizing committee and professional conference management from the Geospatial Information Technology Association (GITA). The 2011 FOSS4G event in Denver marks the first North American event in four years, with the prior three events taking place in Barcelona, Sydney and Cape Town.

SOURCE FOSS4G Organizing Committee

RELATED LINKS: http://2011.foss4g.org/ FOSS4G Denver 2011 http://www.osgeo.org/ Open Source Geospatial Foundation http://stateofthemap.org/ State of the Map Conference http://www.gita.org/ Geospatial Information Technology Association

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FOSS4G 2011 [or Open Source Geospatial ?] Conference Calls for Workshop Proposals

Concerted Effort Made to Offer Education at All Levels of Ability and Experience

DENVER, Jan. 17, 2011 -- The Free and Open Source Software for Geospatial (FOSS4G) conference is reaching out to interested parties for workshop and tutorial proposals for the 2011 conference that will be held Sept. 12 - 16 in Denver, CO, USA. FOSS4G is the premier international conference focused on open source geospatial software.

Users and developers are encouraged to present their latest projects and software development work to demonstrate the power of open source geospatial solutions through a series of workshop sessions and tutorial presentations. Sessions may cover systems that are solely open source or a combination of open and closed source solutions.

“Workshop quote,” said Peter Batty, conference committee chair and vice president of geospatial technology at Ubisense, Inc. “Excitement about the venue and opportunities for open source given the technical capabilities of open source and the current business climate.”

The organizers are looking for a good mix of topics at all ability levels. While the open source geospatial toolset is mature with enterprise-class deployments across the globe, the technology has application at all levels of enterprise for a wide variety of applications. There are also plans for several workshops and sessions that welcome non-technical decision makers to the power and capability of this proven toolset.

Topics of interest include:

Practical Introductions to FOSS4G software Interoperability and Spatial Data Infrastructure Integration between open and closed source solutions Free and open geospatial data Performance tuning

There is pent up demand in the North American market for this content given the growth and interest in open source solutions, the swelling interest in geospatial technology, and the fact that this is the first time this international event will return to a North American venue in four years. The Open Source Geospatial movement has grown considerably in the intervening years. This year’s event also coincides with State of the Map, the annual international conference focused on OpenStreetMap, the wiki-style creator and provider of free geographic data that has recently garnered corporate support from both MapQuest and Microsoft.

About FOSS4G FOSS4G is the global conference focused on Free and Open Source Software for Geospatial that is organized by the Open Source Geospatial Foundation (OSGeo) with support from an all-volunteer organizing committee and professional conference management from the Geospatial Information Technology Association (GITA). The 2011 FOSS4G event in Denver marks the first North American event in four years, with the prior three events taking place in Barcelona, Cape Town and Sydney.

SOURCE FOSS4G Organizing Committee

RELATED LINKS: http://2011.foss4g.org/ FOSS4G Denver 2011 http://www.osgeo.org/ Open Source Geospatial Foundation http://stateofthemap.org/ State of the Map Conference http://www.gita.org/ Geospatial Information Technology Association