[OSGeo-Discuss] packaging FOSS GIS for Ubuntu in education

[Cameron Shorter]

Gavin, I think the time is ripe to consolidate upon this goal.
I'd like to expand the goal a bit and then break it down into achievable 
steps.

*The goal:*
Powerful, Simple, Used, Integrated, Open Source Geospatial Applications

*Current status*
We already have powerful applications, but we still need geeks if you 
want to install and then use a full stack of OSGeo software.
Our applications are often easy to install by themselves, but project 
release schedules are independent of each other and it is hard to keep 
up with which versions of software work with each other.
Documentation and training material is still in an early phase. This 
material needs to be cross project, and matched to the software versions 
too.

*Key Steps*
*Set up project version dependency table*
A table which lists for each project version, the other project versions 
it depends upon.
This dependency table can be used by UbuntuGIS, DebianGIS, liveCD, a 
windows packager etc.
For this we should be able to tap into expertise from liveCD and linux 
distribution communities.
Once this dependency table exists, the onus on maintaining it will 
become the responsibility of projects (and become an entry criteria for 
OSGeo projects).
For efficiency, it would probably help to set a release timetable for 
snap shots of the dependency list, which should be timed to link with 
with other distributions.

*OSGeo Workshops & Tutorials*
* I see an immediate opportunity to present OSGeo Workshops at 
Geospatial Conferences. Agencies want to learn about OSGeo, and 
workshops are a great advertising tool for companies looking for OSGeo work.
* Together we can collectively build some quality documentation here, 
and we have the resources (potential presenters) to develop the 
documentation.
* These workshops require a stable set of software, so should be able to 
seed the dependency table as well.

*Further documentation*
Comprehensive documentation which has already started in the education 
committee should be able to tap into and get a boost from the workshops 
and tutorials. I'll let others comment on the path this should take.


Gavin Fleming wrote:
> While Venka is on the topic of packaging FOSS GIS for Ubuntu, I'd like
> to put a niche request / challenge to the community.
>
> High schools in South Africa and elsewhere need a FOSS alternative to
> use and teach GIS, which is a compulsory part of the syllabus from this
> year. FOSS GIS at present is too inaccessible. My challenge is to have a
> packaged CD for Ubuntu to launch at FOSS4G2008 in Cape Town. This CD (or
> DVD) would have:
>
> -one-click installation for Linux, Windows or Mac.
> -Integrated software stack so teachers and learners have to launch a
> minimal number of applications
> -Simplified and customised GUIs to lower the entry threshold.
> 	-for teachers to teach curriculum requirements of GIS
> 	-for teachers to use GIS to teach geography and other subjects
> 	-for learners to use for hands-on work
> -Free, integrated global and local data package
> -excellent documentation
> -framework for local contributors to structure and contribute exercises,
> lessons, etc. 
> -central website for resources 
> -possible advanced options for network deployment, more sophisticated
> users, 'computer studies' learners (i.e. developers), school web map
> services, etc.
>
> Any takers? 
>
>
> Gavin
>
>
>   

-- 
Cameron Shorter
Geospatial Systems Architect
Tel: +61 (0)2 8570 5050
Mob: +61 (0)419 142 254

Think Globally, Fix Locally
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