[ForestryTools] Objectives / Plan / Outline

[Lee]

Okay,

I've put together a quick and dirty outline of perhaps the minimum features
necessary for some basic usability. The outline describes some of these
features a little further than I think what's needed off the bat. In either
case, I wanted to assemble some degree of a "vision".

I've also established some "guidelines" of ideally how we want whatever
created to be used and available. *Take a look* at these things. I'm just
one guy. I just slapped my ideas on the page as a place to start. There's
no way I'll get far on this alone, so let's make sure it reflects what you
guys want as well.

For the start, I think it's important we get something that's usable to the
largest base of potential users so that we can attract interest and
additional developers. At a later date, we can begin slapping in some of
the more esoteric features.

Finally, I moved the wish-list discussion to the talk page. I also added
some "current tasks" and established leaders for working on those tasks.
I'm going to continue plugging away at turning some of my R code into
Python. Likewise, Abdoul volunteered to begin working on figuring out the
database side of things.

Jeff, do you still have inventory/data processing code and basic R
calculations you're willing to share?

A couple things we should settle now:

1. We had a discussion early on regarding using Google Code or Github. Qgis
is on github, so using github would reflect current development. Github
also has a wider userbase within our community. A google code group has
already been established. It's also easier to use and is- from my
perspective- better for collaboration and discussion. I can't seem to find
a github... but I thought one had been created. In either case, it wouldn't
be difficult. What do you guys want to use? Any preference?

2. Database: we began an early discussion around PostGreSQL/PostGIS or
Spatialite. Spatialite is easier to setup and potentially more
understandable to the non-technical user. PostGIS takes a bit of work to
use and understand, but is far more robust. Potentially, we could start on
one and offer support for both as the project progresses or needs arise.
Personally, I tend to favor spatialite since I'm trying to encourage more
use and we need as simple installation as possible. However, I understand
it's limitations. Thoughts?

Let's get moving!

--
All the best,
Lee
ISA Certified Arborist MI-4148A
Registered Forester #46043
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