[TCMUG] Dreaming of Iron Sheep...

[Fawcett, David (MPCA)]

Living here in the flat land on the craton, the geospatial world tends to mimic the geophysical world.  The coasts have some exciting geospatial events going, but they have earthquakes and hurricanes too.  

Aside from the large conferences that cost a lot of money to attend, there are quite a few cheap/free unconferences and other events going on.  Free to attend, but one would just have to buy an expensive airplane ticket to get there...

I lurk on the CUGOS list, and it is cool to see the things that they pull together.  The FRUGOS folks have some pretty awesome events too.

I recently ran across this event.   http://www.floatingsheep.org/2012/01/announcing-iron-sheep-map-and-hack-day.html 
And I started to wonder if we could pull of something like this here in MN.  (Of course, we may not have Michael Goodchild and Javier de la Torre, but how about [fill in your local rockstars here]).

Here are some random thoughts:
- A 4 hour, focused event may be more easy to manage as opposed to an unconference with lots of breakout sessions.  
- It could be coordinated with MinneBar, MinneWebCon, GIS/LIS, GIS Day, GIS/LIS Spring Workshops, etc.  Or it could stand alone.
- We could use it as a chance to cross-pollinate with Web and Design folks who don't self-identify as GIS or geospatial people.
- We could use it to promote (or stimulate the production) of data services by state agencies and other organizations.
- We would get to know each other better.
- We could follow it up with a social event.

Oh yeah, it would be fun!

David.



David J Fawcett, GISP
Spatial Database Administrator
Information Systems Office
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

651.757.2350
david.fawcett at state.mn.us