Italiano Chapter Report 2008

Italian Chapter

 * Contact name: Massimo di Stefano

Key Accomplishments

 * substantial grassroots activities (with 20 events in one year, mostly in Northern and Central Italy)
 * First edition of the GFOSS day held in Pontedera in November (130 participants). The event does not replace the traditional GRASS/GFOSS meeting, typically held in the first months of the year with a focus on research & development and a strong participation of the academic community.
 * media coverage, with presence in radio and magazines.
 * increase in registered members
 * formal action (ISTAT), with the support of ASSOLI
 * ECDL GIS: preparation of a test for GIS certification, based on QGIS
 * substantial support to the OpenStreetMap project in the first part of 2008 (January-July)
 * liaison to other organizations and institutions (OpenStreetMap, Italian PostgreSQL user group)
 * election of new board (February), after

Areas for Improvement

 * any weaknesses in process, software, management, etc. that you plan to address or recognise need some help


 * OSGEO liaison can be further consolidated (new liaison officer appointed in Feb 2009)
 * some administrative issues still to be cleared

Opportunities to Help

 * list areas that could use some help from members and readers of the report

Outlook for 2009

 * Hackmeetings are in the process of being planned. We expect to hold one or two events during 2009.
 * Second edition of the GFOSS day to be held in Bolzano, 11 Nov 2009
 * Interest in providing additional momentum in Italy, and in connection with other European chapters, towards FOSS4G 2010