[OSGeo BC] Vancouver goes open?

[Jason Birch]

Tyler, I know it's short notice, but it would be great if you could write a letter as OSGeo official in support of this motion, outlining the benefits of using open source geospatial software and open data, talking about some of the great open source software and companies that develop and support it in Canada (and in BC in particular), etc.  If we have some Vancouver residents / businesses that could co-sign, that would be even better.  Alternately, perhaps the letter could come from OSGeo-BC, with an OSGeo-BC official (huh.  Martin?  Me?) signing?

If the motion passes, I believe that there are a number of useful contacts at the City of Vancouver that would welcome a discussion with OSGeo representatives to help bring them up to speed; some of them may even be following this list :)

I'll be interested to see the culture shift that this entails; I know their web GIS folks weren't allowed to use PHP for MapGuide development.  Not sure if this is because it was open source or because it wasn't the corporate standard ASP.Net.

On a different note, how many of you are going to be at GeoWeb this year?  Is it worth planning another meetup?  The one at Sierra last year was great; I can still taste the garlic from the pizza. :)

Jason
________________________________________
From: Tyler Mitchell (OSGeo)
Sent: Friday, May 15, 2009 11:24 AM
To: OSGeo-BC List
Subject: [OSGeo BC] Vancouver goes open?

Thanks to Will for sending me this article:
http://eaves.ca/2009/05/14/vancouver-enters-the-age-of-the-open-city/

I'd like to come up with a plan to discuss this move with city
administrators in Vancouver.  So asking for your input on a couple
fronts:

* Are you familiar with the current geospatial projects going on in
the city?  I assume it's a huge list of complex wild stuff, but
looking for specific ideas where we could connect.
* Do you have a good contact for following up with city management-
level staff there?  City Manager is responsible on paper, but who
else might you know from the geospatial angle that I could meet with?
* Available/interested to join with me if I can get a meeting?

Best wishes, brainstorming welcome :)