[Qgis-user] labelling by attribute

[Andreas Neumann]

Hi James,

>> For the import we will probably use a library called
>> Teigha - the same library also used by ESRI, Bricscad, Intergraph and
>> many others. We will have to join the OpenDesignAlliance to get access
>> to this library and pay a yearly membership fee - we still have to
>> investigate which level of membership we need as an open source project.
>> It is clear that the DWG import is harder than the DXF export, but the
>> Teigha library will help a lot.
> Not to argue, since I'm not the one doing the work (and it's a feature
> that could help me out a bit!), but how does this mesh with GPLv2 and
> the goal of being a F/OSS platform?

We'll have to investigate it - what it means license wise. Maybe one 
would have to ship the Teigha library separate from QGIS. But I don't 
know yet.

It seems like other GPL based projects (like QCAD) also use Teigha. See 
http://www.qcad.org/en/license - they use something called "GPLv3 
Exception". I think they ship the Teigha based extension as a plugin so 
it can easily be separated if there is the need to (explained on the 
same page). That seems feasible to me.
>>> In all seriousness, what would be the process of doing this?  Has this
>>> been done for any other QGIS features?  Who would be paid? OSG, specific
>>> developers?  Who would we talk to about something like this?
>> yes - absolutely - it has been done before. Maybe 2/3 of the recent new
>> features were introduced because of paid development, and there has been
>> some co-financed and/or crowd-funded development efforts.
> What's the process for going about this?  Let's say I want to start a
> crowd funding campaign or fund a specific project.  Would I contact the
> PSC and hash out the feasibility and funding requirements?

The best way to do it is to write a document explaining the idea, 
requirements and any thoughts explaining the project. Then post it to 
the qgis-user or qgis-developer mailinglist and seek feedback. PSC is 
also reading these mailing lists and can chime in. PSC may decide to 
support the project or not or help to promote it. PSC also knows which 
developers will have the best knowledge to implement the project. 
Chances for a successful project are higher if you can flesh out a more 
or less complete/concrete project with some initial funding rather than 
something vague.

Andreas





>
> Jim
>