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

1. Pick a Matrix client application (can run in a browser, on a desktop or on ah handheld device)
2. When launching the program connect to matrix.osgeo.org
3. When prompted you can use your OSGeo username/password. Use OSGeo User Search for finding an ID.

Using Matrix as an IRC client

To effectively use Matrix as an IRC client for use with OSGeo channels, you should [register your nickname](https://libera.chat/guides/registration) with Libera chat services.

More info can be found about Matrix and IRC can be found on https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-appservice-irc/wiki/Guide:-How-to-use-Matrix-to-participate-in-IRC-rooms

IRC channels on libera.chat which are not explicitly bridged can still be accessed by connecting to rooms with address: #<channelname>:libera.chat

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

When bridging public Matrix rooms to public IRC channels please make sure to tweak the IRC bridge configuration to allow IRC messages to be sent to Matrix even while not all Matrix users are represented on IRC (it often happens that it takes time for the bridge to setup connections). See for details on how to do this: https://matrix-org.github.io/matrix-appservice-irc/latest/room_configuration.html#allowunconnectedmatrixusers

Cheatsheet:

From Element/Web:

 - Type /devtools
 - Click Explore Room State
 - Click Send Custom State Event
 - Write org.matrix.appservice-irc.config in the Event Type input field
 - Leave the State Key blank
 - Write following text in the Event Content textarea:
   { "allowUnconnectedMatrixUsers": "true" }

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.