Election 2021 Candidate Manifestos

A space for the candidates for election to the Board to share some information about themselves, their aspirations for OSGeo, what they would like to change, improve or introduce and what role they would like to play on the board.

You are welcome to follow the template, and add further relevant info as you need:

Adam Steer - Australian in Norway (OSGeo profile)

About me

At work I am a polar researcher based in Tromsø, northern Norway - the latest iteration of a 'mosaic career' spanning research, research support, independent consulting, guiding, fixing bicycles and more! My geospatial training was in surveying and geomatics, applied to the frozen ocean at both ends of our planet using airborne and on-ground measurements. I also have a BSc in psychology and a multidisciplinary bachelor of Antarctic Studies. I've used open geospatial tools across research, business, and just making maps for fun. As part of my open geospatial software life I have worked hard to generate a culture of giving back, for example if we build a business tool based on open software, improvments are shared with the community (rather than branched into 'business specific' tools).

At home I am an adventurer at heart and parent to two boys. In general I would like to spend a lot more time getting lost in the mountains!

My vision

I want to help maintain a community which goes out of its way to let people in, and try to help members of the community become and stay engaged. More or less ask 'how can we help?' - and more importantly, 'how can we help without becoming just another overhead in your life?'. We live in interesting times and face a lot of challenges which we can't really predict well or prepare for. So my vision is to help this community in uncertain times, maybe think more about sustainability than growth.

What you have done within the community in the past

• FOSS4G international attendee / speaker / workshop presenter in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
• part of the team which restarted FOSS4G conferences in 2018 with FOSS4G SotM Oceania
• part of the team founding OSGeo Oceania, founding director and member
• elected director of OSGeo Oceania
• small contributions to PDAL, OpenDroneMap
• advocate for open source tools and open mindsets in research, business and government
• charter member of OSGeo since 2018

What your interests are in terms of the board

In line with my vision - work to maintain a community which goes out of their way to let people in, and work on ways to help the community stay sustainable in terms of volunteer effort, financial support, and its environmental and ethical viewpoints.

Any things that you would like to change or introduce

I want to get a better sense of OSGeo overall before suggesting changes. I would like to keep guiding OSGeo along paths toward inclusivity and environmental responsibility, but that isn't really new - there is plenty of precedent there.

What role you would wish to fulfill on the board (if any)

I feel at this point being an ordinary board member is the best fit. I have a lot to learn!