[OSGeo-Conf] Niagara Fall responses to all questions - SINCE THERE IS STILL NO WIKI ACCESS GRANTED

[Till Adams]

Dear Chris,

I am sorry for <our technical issues. I think, the fact, that there are
still questions coming up is due to those ,who do not have the timetable
in mind - like you and me and also the voting members ;-)

Maybe we have to work on the format again, as I have seen some
questions, that go to deep for the LoI phase already anayway.

Many thanks for your replies, I am sure, that the voting members of CC
will consider these in case, they did not vote yet. I think that step 1
is not a bug hurdle anyway, as every LoI has the chance to pass.

Regards, Till




Am 15.10.2018 um 20:52 schrieb Renschler, Christian:
> Dear Jonathan,
> Dear All,
> 
> Since past Friday (the deadline for responses to questions) we are
> waiting now for the approval and get a password to access and modify the
> WIKI page so that all can read our answers. Since that did not happen,
> we are continuing to give our responses through the conference list serve.
> 
> Here blow are the answers to other questions that have been posted since
> the deadline in the same format as the answers we previously sent out
> through the list (as well as all the previous answers in the email threat).
> 
> Thank you for your understanding. 
> 
> With greetings from the Niagara Falls Organizing Team (most of them also
> waiting for passwords).
> Chris Renschler 
> (co-chair). 
> 
> Questions Jonathon M ==============================
> •   Have you given any though to ensuring your conference is
> sustainable\green\environmentally friendly?
> •   Does your venue have any sustainability initiatives\credentials etc?
> •   Does your host city have good public transport, including between
> the venue/events/likely-accommodation/airport? (note: taxi's are not
> public transport ;-) )
> •   Is the host city reasonably reachable by something other than flying?
> 
> INDIRECT ANSWER: 
> As the Co-Chair, I would like to point out a couple of principles that
> could allow organizing the entire conference activities by labeling any
> activity with one or more of the 17 Sustainability Development Goals of
> the United Nations. In my work with the UN, I pointed out that by
> indexing the various activities and interests of the participants we can
> create new cross-cutting partnerships as part of the conference. Rather
> then meeting amongst ourselves we actually could create interested
> groups and stakeholders with an interest to communicate with our open
> source community. Providing them an access based on their interests in
> using technology, open source data and software to analyze and
> contribute solving those problems at various geographic scales. This
> would be something completely new that shows our commitment to create
> sustainable and resilient communities. 
> The organizing team has ongoing collaborations with GIS experts of the
> indigenous/native communities on either side of the border on
> sustainability goals ( e.g. the Geospatial Niagara’s Ohnia:kara Aspiring
> UNESCO Global Geopark is committed to UNESCO’s Sustainable Development
> Goals 2030 (CANADA); the Seneca Nation of Indians are collaborating
> since more than a decade with the University at Buffalo on Integrated
> Environmental Management using the principles of sustainability and the
> PEOPLES Resilience Framework
> http://peoplesresilience.org/what-is-peoples). We would like to be
> inclusive to these and other stakeholders interested in the Open Source
> Geospatial Foundation activities and making them a part of FOSS4G
> Niagara Falls in 2020.    
>  
> DIRECT ANSWERS TO ALL FOUR QUESTIONS FROM JONATHON M.:
> 
> Have you given any though to ensuring your conference is
> sustainable\green\environmentally friendly?
> 
> ANSWER: Convention Centre: The Scotiabank Convention Centre was
> designed, constructed and achieved Canada Green Building Council LEED
> Canada Silver (2009) for new construction and major renovations. Some of
> the construction highlights include:
> ·      To reduce the environmental impact of constructing a new
> convention centre – new materials and products were selected based on
> their recycle content. Typical construction materials with recycled
> content include steel, concrete, ashphalt, carpeting and wall materials
> (pre and post-consumer content). Over 13% of all construction materials
> (by cost) in the building were made from recycled materials.
> ·      The building was designed to be 54% more energy efficient than
> typical buildings designed to the Model National Energy Code for
> buildings (MNECB). This was achieved by using energy efficient heating,
> ventilating and air conditioning equipment, utilizing increased
> insulation in the walls and roof, reduced overall lighting density by
> employing daylight, skylights and occupancy sensors, heat recovery units
> and demand-controlled ventilation (carbon dioxide monitoring and control).
> ·      The building was designed to be 40% more water efficient than a
> typical building using baseline fixtures. This was achieved by using
> high efficiency low flow washroom fixtures, using drought resistant
> plant species and no permanent irrigation system.
> Green initiatives include a recycling program that source separates
> wood, glass, plastic, cardboard, metals, batteries, fluorescent and
> metal halide bulbs, kitchen oil and grease. All organic food waste is
> collected and composted offsite. Ozonated water is used for the majority
> of our internal building cleaning requirements and deionized water is
> used for all window cleaning requirements.
> 
> Food & Beverage: Nestled between the shores of two Great Lakes and
> flanked by the cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment, Niagara is a region
> blessed with the bounty of farms, orchards, and vineyards. With such
> rich agricultural surroundings right in our very own background, it’s no
> wonder the culinary team at Scotiabank Convention Centre is so
> passionate about what they do.
> Lead by Executive Chef James Price, our approach to food and beverage
> focuses squarely on producing seasonal menus that are distinctly Niagara
> and sourced locally to minimize transportation costs and carbon
> emissions. Presented always in the most creative ways, and bursting
> with regional flavours, your menu choices will reflect our commitment to
> natural ingredients and inhouse made preparations.
> Post event, in an effort to donate not just food, but healthy food, the
> culinary team at Scotiabank Convention Centre, donates
> nutrient-dense vegetables, proteins, and legumes to local hunger-relief
> organizations like Niagara Community Outreach. Any surplus food
> remaining from large events is chilled, stored, and packed away before
> being donated as is or being repurposed as a healthier food contribution.
> Does your venue have any sustainability initiatives\credentials etc?
> The SCCN’s Senior Senior Building Engineer is a LEED® Green Associate.  
> 
> Does your host city have good public transport, including between the
> venue/events/likely-accommodation/airport? (note: taxi's are not public
> transport ;-) )
> ANSWER: The City of Niagara Falls and Niagara Parks operates a
> state-of-the-art bus system which connects accommodations and
> tourism attractions throughout the destination called the WEGO.
> WEGO delivers a seamless connection between tourist attractions within
> the city and Niagara Parks, helping your delegates experience all that
> this world-class destination has to offer. 
> WEGO is fully accessible and will operate year-round, giving easy,
> convenient service to travelers from around the globe who visit Niagara
> Falls.
> Also, the majority of hotels that would be utilized by FOSS4G delegates
> are within a 10-minute walking distance of the Scotiabank Convention
> Centre, thus minimizing the requirement of having shuttle services.
> Is the host city reasonably reachable by something other than flying?
>  
> Arriving by car:
> ONTARIO
> Conveniently accessible via the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW), visitors take
> a scenic drive past picturesque vineyards, the shores of Lake Ontario,
> and the sky-high Niagara Escarpment. Only 90-minutes from downtown
> Toronto, it’s easy to step into Niagara Falls and be surprised by its
> beauty.
> Coming from Hamilton or the Greater Toronto Area? GO Transit has routes
> extending to communities across the Greater Golden Horseshoe or if
> you’re a fan of the train VIA Rail Canada is a great option too.
> U.S.
> Over 100 million Americans live within an 8-hour or 500-mile drive of
> Niagara Falls, making it a major gateway for U.S.-Canada border travel.
> The destination can easily be accessed via any one of four international
> bridge crossings:
> Peace Bridge – 30km | 35 minutes
> Rainbow Bridge – 5km | 10 minutes
> Whirlpool Bridge – 7km | 12 minutes
> Lewiston Bridge – 14km | 25 minutes
>  
> Arriving by air:
> 60% of North America’s population is located within a 90-minute flight
> of Niagara Falls.  With three international airports, all less than 125
> km away.
> ·       Toronto Pearson International Airport – 125km | 74 minutes.
> Serving a network of over 120 destinations, Canada’s largest airport is
> the central hub for domestic and international air travel.
> ·       Buffalo Niagara International Airport – 50km | 46 minutes.
> Offering non-stop service to 22 airports in 18 cities across the U.S.,
> this airport features 100 daily flights and connects Niagara Falls to
> the greater Buffalo area.
> ·       John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport – 86km | 62
> minutes. With direct flights to 11 destinations, this airport also
> provides connecting service to over 25 domestic and international
> destinations.
>  
> Delegate arrivals at Pearson International Airport (125KM) will be taken
> care of by our partner Niagara Airbus, which will provide discounted
> roundtrip fares of less than $100CDN / (~$75USD).  Delegates will be
> provided with a FOSS4G conference code and will be able to book their
> own shuttle time based on their airport arrival. 
>  
> NFBE, Niagara Airbus and FOSS4G will work in partnership to ensure all
> delegates who arrive are expediated to the shuttle buses at Toronto
> Pearson International Airport.  NFBE recommends that notices be included
> in the FOSS4G Conference Registration website for delegates to book
> their flight to arrive between the hours of 4pm and 7pm.  Should we be
> successful in delegate adherence, FOSS4G will have the opportunity to
> utilize the shuttle buses as pre-conference Mobile Networking / Workshop
> sessions.  Delegates will be placed on the shuttle buses with an FOSS4G
> selected moderator / panelist who will lead the 70-90-minute
> discussion.  This allows FOSS4G to begin the conference activities from
> the moment delegates land.
>  
> 
> Question from Michael T ===============================
> 
> •   Somewhat similar to Paul's question, but perhaps more
> specific: Since the SCCN is in Canada, and given the international
> travel restrictions that some US delegates, particularly government, may
> face it seems that staying in a hotel in the USA and attending the
> conference in Canada could be feasible. Is this accurate? If so, could
> you describe what the daily process of crossing the border on
> foot/shuttlebus would be like?
> 
> •   Given that September is prime season for visitors viewing Fall
> foliage, will there be any pressure to maintain room blocks (or, require
> very early booking commitment) and/or cost implications?
> 
> 
> ANSWERS TO ALL QUESTIONS FROM MICHAEL T:
> 
> After communicating with past conference organizers on either side of
> the border – Niagara Falls (Canada) and Niagara Falls (USA) – there have
> been no meeting organized in the past years to facilitate staying on one
> side of the border and commuting daily unless you provide your own
> transportation and go through immigration (car, bike, walk, etc.).
> Unless you have a NEXUS pass for commuter type travel across the border,
> you might have to wait in line like anybody else. However, I would like
> that the conference organizers are very interested in hosting meetings
> across the border sometime in the future, but can’t promise anything in
> facilitating crossing the border in a timely fashion during the meeting.
> Instead, the organizers will prepare a 2020 FOSS4G mini-version at the
> University at Buffalo’s Department of Geography for anyone that already
> anticipates having potential difficulties to cross the border because of
> the lack/delay of visa papers, pending immigration status or other
> reasons that do not allow to cross the border without a secure re-entry
> into the US (more detailed answer was given to Mark I. below). We
> absolutely do not want that anyone is somehow shut out and stuck at the
> border without being able to participate in the conference (therefore we
> anticipate a 2020 FOSS4G mini-version on the US side with virtual links
> to communicate and participate). 
> In regards to the second part of Michael’s questions, one has to keep in
> mind that the participant numbers of the FOSS4G meeting are relatively
> small in comparison to the handling the regular tourist volume.
> Therefore no pressure at this time for any room blocks or early
> commitments including any cost implications.
> 
> ============================================================================ 
> 
>> On Oct 13, 2018, at 7:05 AM, Jonathan Moules
>> <jonathan-lists at lightpear.com <mailto:jonathan-lists at lightpear.com>>
>> wrote:
>>
>> Hi Christian,
>>
>> I asked some questions a few days ago on the list but they weren't on
>> the wiki (I didn't have an account at the time). I've now updated the
>> wiki with the questions (at the bottom) as the other two have answered
>> them so I figure it's only fair to give you a chance to as well.
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> Jonathan
>>
>>
>> On 2018-10-12 23:49, Renschler, Christian wrote:
>>> Questions Mark I.: =====================================================
>>>
>>> ·       What is the mission of your respective FOSS4G?
>>> Answer:  Our mission statement for FOSS4G 2020 is one of “Knowledge
>>> exchange”. This is meant not only as a broad statement but as a more
>>> personal and intimate mission. In a broad sense, we want the exchange
>>> of knowledge to help the FOSS4G movement grow. To help others to see
>>> and understand the options and potential that exists with open source
>>> projects and open standards. But on a more personal individual note,
>>> we want to foster knowledge exchange between professionals so that
>>> they learn new methods and see new ideas and be inspired and to
>>> assist them in their daily tasks. Knowledge exchange between seasoned
>>> FOSS users that have been using and developing new projects and
>>> applications and new users who are just starting their journey,
>>> curious and perhaps in need of a mentor. This mission statement will
>>> be revised and expanded upon during the proposal stage.
>>>
>>> ·       What is your commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and
>>> ensuring that FOSS4G 2020 is as inclusive and as diverse as possible?
>>> Answer:  To be treated fairly and equality, this is what we strive
>>> for in our bid to host the FOSS4G conference in Niagara Fall, Ontario
>>> Canada. Open means "Open", Open data, open software, open ideas, open
>>> to everyone who has an interest or passion about all things
>>> Geospatial. The chance to think, discuss, interact with liked minded
>>> people who want to make a difference, in their schools, communities,
>>> counties. The power of open data to take stock, explore and to map
>>> the world to be a fairer, and a kinder place.
>>>
>>> Inclusivity is what we strive to do. Make all people feel
>>> As part of our mission statement, the Niagara Falls 2020 FOSS4G
>>> committee is working on outreach programs to any and all who what to
>>> be part of this process. An example of this is an effort to reach out
>>> to First Nations, who can use the power of Geospatial Technology to
>>> inventory and manage band cultural assets to help preserve them for
>>> future generations.
>>>
>>> The Niagara Region, the City of Toronto, the GTA and Buffalo-Niagara
>>> are some of the most culturally diverse areas in North America. Fully
>>> one half of the city of Toronto is foreign-born with over a hundred
>>> languages spoken. The resent Buffalo renaissance is partly due to the
>>> hard work and dreams of the newcomers, start-ups and refugees that
>>> now call the city home.
>>>
>>> The FOSS4G Niagara Falls LOC will commit to adhere to the
>>> International Council of Science, Committee on Freedom and
>>> Responsibility in the conduct of Science (CFRS.)  The ICS Principles
>>> stipulate: International scientific meetings must be free from
>>> discrimination in attendance based on ethnic origin, religion,
>>> citizenship, language, political or other opinion, sex, gender
>>> identity, sexual orientation, disability, or age; Selection and
>>> registration procedures for meeting participants must be
>>> non-discriminatory; Meeting organisers must ensure by all possible
>>> means that no bona fide scientist, whose participation in a meeting
>>> has been accepted, is excluded from taking part; The right of bona
>>> fide scientists to attend meetings outside their countries of
>>> residence is based on the assumption that they will return to their
>>> normal place of residence by the date indicated in their visas.
>>>
>>> Acknowledging the hurdles of international borders especially for
>>> US-based international students in the US (or others that would have
>>> difficulties in crossing the border), the US co-organizers in
>>> consultation with OSGeo can set up a two-day program in the second
>>> part of the meeting to live-broadcast at least the keynote speakers
>>> and sessions at the University at Buffalo. This 2020 FOSS4G
>>> mini-version will allow a venue where those attendees (students)
>>> prevented from crossing the border could also participate in FOSS4G
>>> 2020, ask questions online and even meet selected speakers who could
>>> travel the short distance to Buffalo (or on their way from and to the
>>> conference via the Buffalo Niagara Airport). The organizers will also
>>> include the various Western New York open source companies to
>>> participate in these activities. We will look at opportunities to
>>> have delegates (who may) move freely between the Canadian and US border.
>>>
>>> Locally or globally the Niagara Falls 2020 FOSS4G bid can accommodate
>>> all people who come to attend the conference. From language,
>>> tradition, to cultural considerations Niagara Falls is one of the
>>> most welcoming cities in the world and ready and waiting to greet
>>> everyone in 2020.
>>>
>>>
>>> Questions Steven F.:
>>> ======================================================
>>>
>>> ·       Your proposed dates are 14-19 September. These dates overlap
>>> with the start of the jewish festivals on the evening of the 18th
>>> which may prevent some potential delegates from attending. Is there
>>> any potential to change?
>>> Answer: The FOSS4G Niagara Falls LOC has proposed the dates of
>>> September 14 – 19th, 2020 however we are also able to host FOSS4G
>>> 2020 over the dates of September 7 – 12th, 2020 or September 21 –
>>> 26th, 2020.
>>> ·       yYu say "The Niagara Falls LOC has budgeted a similar
>>> registration fee schedule as Boston 2017 and estimates a modest
>>> profit” there has been a lot of discussion about making FOSS4G more
>>> affordable, do you have any thoughts on this?
>>> Answer: The FOSS4G Niagara Falls LOI was submitted on an estimated
>>> event budget based on 1,000 delegates with registration fees similar
>>> to those charged for FOSS4G Boston 2017.  We would be happy to
>>> discuss with OSGeo how to make FOSS4G more affordable for delegates.
>>>  Based on our preliminary estimate we would be open to discussing a
>>> reduction in fees up to 15%.  We would look to collaborate with OSGeo
>>> to utilize past experiences to ensure that our estimated expenses /
>>> budget is as accurate as possible. Also, we would work with OSGeo in
>>> reviewing what new expenses would be incurred as we consider new
>>> programming ideas for the FOSS4G program.  Additionally, we would
>>> look for support from OSGeo in soliciting additional potential
>>> corporate sponsors and exhibitors to increase revenues.  If we
>>> experience a financial surplus we would be in a position to offer
>>> refunds to students who registered and attended.  Additionally, we
>>> would be open to applying a tiered registration fee that is anchored
>>> around the World Bank’s classification of economies based on gross
>>> national income; Category A: High Income, Category B: Upper middle
>>> income, Category C: Low and lower middle income.
>>>
>>>
>>> Questions Till A.: ===============================================
>>>
>>> ·       I would like to stress the point about costs. (In the call we
>>> say "We hope to keep cost per participant under $650 USD for the
>>> conference (plus workshops).". As former chair I know about the
>>> difficulties FOSS4G teams have finding the right price for the
>>> conference. But can you tell something on how you are planning to
>>> enable people, who can not afford the conference fee and/or
>>> accommodation costs, to attend to your conference? Especially the
>>> hotel prices starting at 169 CAN$ seem to be quite high?)
>>> Answer: As indicated in the response to Steve F, we are willing to
>>> consider a reduction of up to 15% on registration fees as compared to
>>> the 2017 registration fees.  We will also look consider refunds to
>>> students who have registered and attended post event based on the
>>> amount of financial surplus recorded.  In regards to the hotel rates,
>>> $169 Canadian based on current exchange rates is approximately $130
>>> USD.  FOSS4G 2017 Boston hotel rates started at $239 USD.
>>>
>>> ·       More an advice for the possible full proposal: An important
>>> part of a FOSS4G is the socializing part, it then would be great to
>>> read some words about what is planned and possible ;-)
>>>
>>> Answer: We understand that the social networking is an integral part
>>> of the program and knowledge transfer experience of all conferences.
>>> Niagara Falls is able to offer some excellent networking opportunities:
>>> ·       Hornblower Niagara Cruises:  FOSS4G delegates can experience
>>> this legendary Niagara Falls boat tour attraction which is Canada’s
>>> favourite visitor experience taking them into the heart of the
>>> Canadian Horseshoe Falls.
>>> ·       Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours: Spend 45 minutes learning about the
>>> history and geology of the majestic Niagara River, and experiencing
>>> the excitement of playing in class 5 white-water rapids.  This will
>>> be one of the most refreshing and memorable experiences of FOSS4G in
>>> Niagara Falls!
>>> ·       Mistrider Zipline to the Falls: Four parallel ziplines face
>>> the American and Canadian Horseshoe Falls with riders dangling from a
>>> precarious 67 meter (220 feet) high vantage point.  Delegates can
>>> take in the breathtaking panorama as gravity floats riders 670 meters
>>> (2,200 feet) at speeds of 70+ kph (40+ mph) along the edge of the
>>> vast Niagara Gorge to the Falls Observation landing.
>>> ·       Niagara on the Lake Wineries: Known as one of Canada’s finest
>>> wine regions.  This is a community of wineries with individual
>>> personalities, as distinctive as the wines they create. Each winery
>>> has its own unique story: from the sleekness of glass and steel to
>>> the warmth of stone and wood, Niagara-on-the-Lake's wineries are
>>> expressions of their diverse personalities. A special FOSS4G event
>>> can be scheduled or FOSS4G delegates can plan to spend their free
>>> time tasting their way through Niagara on the Lake wineries.
>>> ·       Technical Tour of Ohnia:kara Aspiring Global Geopark. A
>>> Geopark is an area with distinct geological heritage as recognized by
>>> the UNESCO supported Global Geopark Network. Geoparks operate with
>>> three specific goals in mind: conservation, education, and
>>> geotoursim. The Niagara Region’s wide range of unique geological
>>> features, rich cultural heritage, and existing tourism infrastructure
>>> make it an excellent candidate for Geopark designation.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Questions Paul R.: ====================================================
>>>
>>> ·       The idea of a cross-border conference is really cool in
>>> theory, but is hard to imagine in practice... what exactly are you
>>> planning WRT siting? All in Canada, all in USA, split days? What
>>> would the border folks things about 1000 people crossing over for the
>>> day for a conference?
>>> Answer: The main conference program will take place in Niagara Falls,
>>> Ontario Canada at the Scotiabank Convention Centre.  We are currently
>>> envisioning the use of the Geographic Information and Analysis
>>> Laboratory (GIAL) which is a multipurpose computing facility shared
>>> by the Department of Geography and the National Center for Geographic
>>> Information and Analysis (NCGIA) based at the University at Buffalo
>>> for a number of the preconference workshops. The GIAL has a two
>>> computer clusters with 20 and 25 seats each as well as white board
>>> and projection technology.
>>>
>>> Acknowledging that many international students will have issues
>>> crossing the US / Canada Border, we envision setting up a FOSS4G 2020
>>> mini (student) version where we simulcast keynotes and plenary
>>> sessions into the University at Buffalo.  Attendees on the US side
>>> will be able to use social media to send questions to the sessions
>>> happening on the Canadian side.
>>>
>>> We will communicate both with the US and Canadian border offices to
>>> inform them of the conference taking place on both sides of the
>>> border.  The SCCN always works with their clients to ensure that
>>> Canadian Border Services Agency and Immigration, Refugees and
>>> Citizenship Canada to alert consulate offices around the world that
>>> this event is happing.  This pre-notice to consulate offices supports
>>> delegates who need to apply for a visa to travel to Canada.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Questions Venka: =======================================================
>>>
>>> 1.  Highlight the contributions (code contributions, documentation,
>>> outreach etc.) that the chair/co-chair have made to FOSS4G communities.
>>>
>>> Answers provided by each chair:
>>>
>>> B. Berg. Co-Chair (Canada) Niagara Falls, Ontario Canada FOSS4G 2020
>>> bid -  "Open Software, Open Data - Without Borders":
>>>
>>> Over the past 2 years, I have endeavored to network through our local
>>> Geomatics Meet up group and stressed the use and availability of open
>>> source software.  I have always tried to help anyone in need of
>>> direction in regard to finding answers to questions in regards to
>>> open source GIS software.  Also, I am co-presenting a demonstration
>>> on November 10th 2018 to OAGEE Fall Conference (Professional
>>> Educators), on the benefits of using OSGeo software in educational
>>> and professional settings.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Assoc Prof. Christian Renschler, Dept of Geography, University at
>>> Buffalo, Buffalo, New York   Co-Chair (USA):
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> As a MA/MS and PhD advisor of more than 40 graduate students in the
>>> US and co-research advisor of more than 10 foreign exchange students
>>> from Spain, Germany and Italy, Chris Renschler encouraged students to
>>> contribute their codes since more than 15 years (starting within 2003
>>> with Alex Sorokine submitting a wrapper script for GRASS that runs
>>> TITAN2D model from gmfg). In particular, the open source software and
>>> open data research led to the creation of VHub.org <http://VHub.org>
>>> , a National Science Foundation-funded (USA), cyber-infrastructure to
>>> share data, code, imagery and other related information among
>>> scientists, national observatories, and civil-protection authorities
>>> to make better decisions about hazards in volcano landscapes. Chris
>>> also developed the role-based access controlled (RBAC) Geospatial
>>> Project Management Tool (GeoProMT.org <http://GeoProMT.org> ) to
>>> manage and shared geospatial, multi-temporal data such as GIS data
>>> and remotely sensed images as well as how this information is
>>> processed and analyzed promoting the free exchange of data, code and
>>> models and the reproducibility of science. Chris Renschler was also
>>> involved in the response and free data exchange during major
>>> disasters including Superstorm Sandy in 2012 and the Haiti Earthquake
>>> in 2010 (https://youtu.be/KGcjdhosOdU) as well as the recovery
>>> efforts of the radioactive contaminated communities in Japan after
>>> the 2011 Fukushima-Daichi nuclear power plant disaster.
>>>
>>> Although, neither of the co-chairs has been directly involved with
>>> FOSS4G Committee's, conferences or local chapters (as there are no
>>> such organizations as yet established in our  respective areas), it
>>> is our desire to establish a bi-national group to promote the use of
>>> OS geo software and the creation of open source data by governments &
>>> private companies. Also, to learn from the hosting experience, to
>>> better formulate our own responses to community needs in creating
>>> better open-source and open data models
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> 2.  How have the chair/co-chairs been involved in
>>> promotion/governance (Charter Membership, Involvement in Committees
>>> etc.) of OSGeo foundation?
>>>
>>> Answers provided by each chair:
>>>
>>> B. Berg - Currently there are no OSGeo local chapters in our area,
>>> but it is our desire to establish a OSGeo hub/chapter through a local
>>> nonprofit “Geospatial Niagara (GN)” committed to excellence in
>>> secondary and post-secondary geospatial education, conservation and
>>> community concerns.  Through the commitment of its director (and
>>> founder) Mr. Darren Platakis, Geospatial Niagara has formed many
>>> relationships between government, business and education through
>>> hosted monthly networking opportunities over the last 5 years.
>>>   Geospatial Niagara has also many ongoing Open Geo projects focused
>>> on environmental and community development in association with local
>>> colleges and universities.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Assoc Prof. Christian Renschler - Chris was not involved in
>>> organizing or participating in any OSGeo-lead events. However, OSGeo
>>> could have been a co-organizer or host of the more than 40
>>> international conferences he presented his research, teaching and
>>> outreach activities. Chris is an interdisciplinary researcher on
>>> extreme events and the gathering of geospatial and temporal data or
>>> multiple sensors and the design and use of GIS, remote sensing
>>> algorithms and spatial, process-based models to support
>>> decision-makers using commonly available and unstructured data for
>>> scientific-based and practical decision-making especially for
>>> communities in need.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> 3.  Please elaborate on your local committee member's experience in
>>> planning OSGeo events (such as involvement in FOSS4G-global event
>>> teams, OSGeo local chapter event planning, or OSGeo code sprints).
>>>
>>> Answers provided by each chairs and selected committee members:
>>>
>>> B. Berg - Currently, there are no OSGeo local chapters in our area,
>>> but as stated, it is our desire to establish a OSGeo hub/chapter in
>>> the Niagara region with a bi-national associated group in Buffalo,
>>> New York USA.  Working through Geospatial Niagara and it's founder
>>> Mr. Darren Platakis, Darren’s vision is to include OSGeo as part of
>>> GN’s mission to offer workshops, onsite training, documentation and
>>> technical support to the government, business and education who wish
>>> to use OSGeo software for there own projects.  As part of this focus,
>>> Darren is also committed to putting these tools in the hands of young
>>> entrepreneurs as they establish new ventures in the Niagara Region
>>> and western New York.
>>>
>>> Darren Platakis – Darren has also recently begun the process of
>>> establishing a number of proposed GeoPark sites thought out the
>>> Niagara region.  Working through government and community
>>> stakeholders (which includes local First Nations bands). Daren is
>>> promoting the idea of OSGeo as the technology that will allow all
>>> stakeholders to participate in the program and use OSGeo to make
>>> their communities better at the local level through open data.
>>>
>>> Associate Prof Kevin Turner (Department of Geography and Tourism
>>> Studies Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario CA) - As part of
>>> Kevin's teaching efforts as part of the geography departments
>>> faculty, Kevin stresses the importance of Open Source toolsets to
>>> undergraduate and graduate students in their own research and as they
>>> begin their chosen career paths.  The publications of the Geography
>>> Department at Brock showcase various open source applications and
>>> open data outlets. Kevin's main body of research is focused on
>>> spatial analysis of northern water resources and has ongoing local
>>> collaborations including water quality studies and spatial analysis
>>> of West Nile vectors across southern Ontario. His research and
>>> teaching have utilized and promoted open source GIS software.
>>>
>>> Other committee members include GIS professionals in the areas of
>>> education, engineering, GIS software development & research. These
>>> individuals have volunteered their time and expertise because they
>>> believe in the necessity and utilization of open source data and
>>> software. As a special advisor to our committee Mr. Will Mitchell
>>> CEO, NBT Solutions (who was part of the LOC for Boston 2017) will be
>>> offering his expertise during the FOSS4G 2020 bid process.
>>>
>>> Chris Renschler - If chosen to by the FOSS4G selection committee we
>>> would endeavor to organize our program as per the United Nations 17
>>> Sustainable Development Goals) set out by the United Nations.  We
>>> realize that geospatial science is a multidisciplinary field of
>>> study.  Open software and open data have a transformative power to
>>> visualize data and help decision makers, “make better decisions, that
>>> benefit the many, rather than the few.”  Technology, in this case, is
>>> not just for a captive audience.  With the goals of inclusiveness and
>>> promoting real change, technology must be made accessible to everyone
>>> that wants it.
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> Conference_dev mailing list
>>> Conference_dev at lists.osgeo.org <mailto:Conference_dev at lists.osgeo.org>
>>> https://lists.osgeo.org/mailman/listinfo/conference_dev
>>
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Conference_dev mailing list
>> Conference_dev at lists.osgeo.org <mailto:Conference_dev at lists.osgeo.org>
>> https://lists.osgeo.org/mailman/listinfo/conference_dev
> 
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> Conference_dev mailing list
> Conference_dev at lists.osgeo.org
> https://lists.osgeo.org/mailman/listinfo/conference_dev
> 

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