Matrix
Matrix is an open source project and an open specification for decentralised, real-time communication, similar to IRC but based on the HTTP protocol (not connection-oriented) and including management of backlog (user state kept on server, like email).
Anyone can install an homeserver to keep their chat state. OSGeo currently host a Matrix homeserver. Matrix users are identified by a string in the form @<username>:<homeserver> so by using the OSGeo homeserver you can have a user identifier like @strk:osgeo.org, which is your OSGeo UserID preceded by an @ sign and followed by :osgeo.org.
Matrix allows for bridges to other networks, including IRC so a Matrix client can effectively also be used as a method to access IRC channels. Many rooms are bridged already to corresponding IRC channels (read section below for how to effectively use that bridge).
An OSGeo Matrix Space is available to group OSGeo-related rooms.
Connecting to the OSGeo Matrix Homeserver
- Pick a Matrix client application (can run in a browser, on a desktop or on ah handheld device)
- When launching the program connect to matrix.osgeo.org
- When prompted you can use your OSGeo username/password. Use OSGeo User Search for finding an ID.
Using Matrix as an IRC client
As of September 2023 this is not easy anymore. Consult your IRC network staff to ask about how do do this.
Help
In case of problem, you may contact User:Strk (https://matrix.to/#/@strk:osgeo.org).
Managing Matrix rooms
Setting up bridges
Bridging Matrix rooms with IRC
As of October 2023 OSGeo is running an experimental IRC <-> Matrix bridge. If you want your project's IRC channel to be bridged to your Matrix room please file a ticket on https://trac.osgeo.org/osgeo or come asking in https://matrix.to/#/#sac:osgeo.org
Bridging Matrix rooms with Telegram
The instructions here: https://t2bot.io/telegram/ show how to bridge a Telegram channel with a Matrix room. This allows people using Matrix clients to join Telegram conversations, and vice-versa. This was tested using the Element matrix client, on the #general:osgeo.org Matrix room and the OSGeoorg Telegram group
Adding Room Aliases / Additional Addresses
If you already have a Matrix room which is not accessible with an :osgeo.org address, you can make it so by adding other 'Addresses' ('Aliases') of the room. For example, the #OSGeoUK:matrix.org room now also has #uk:osgeo.org and #OSGeoUK:matrix.org as additional addresses. To add aliases to the osgeo.org server, you need to be logged in there ( via your osgeo.org account ). Publishing aliases to the osgeo.org matrix room directory requires to have at least "Moderator" status in the room.