Beyond the Code
or, how to win friends, influence people and make a living by writing open source software. It's not just about the code.
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Thursday 29 October 2009, 12:26 PM
OpenStreetMap has Ugandan discussions
One of the great things about open source software and open content is that if someone has a good idea, they can just go for it without having to worry about getting permissions, licences or other forms of prior approval.
One such good idea has been happening in Uganda: Using OpenStreetMap mapping to help with rural development projects. Robert Soden of US communications firm Development Seed has been working with some development groups working in Bigoda, a small Ugandan village, who are now using OpenStreetMap and Quantum GIS to map out the village.
While maps of the area had been made before, they tended to get lost when their creator moved on from the project. By storing the mapping data in OpenStreetMap, it's there for everyone to use at any time. No server is needed in the village just to map it, and anyone can help improve it. You can see the early results for yourself.
Now imagine if some proprietary software company or mapping data provider had got involved?
One such good idea has been happening in Uganda: Using OpenStreetMap mapping to help with rural development projects. Robert Soden of US communications firm Development Seed has been working with some development groups working in Bigoda, a small Ugandan village, who are now using OpenStreetMap and Quantum GIS to map out the village.
While maps of the area had been made before, they tended to get lost when their creator moved on from the project. By storing the mapping data in OpenStreetMap, it's there for everyone to use at any time. No server is needed in the village just to map it, and anyone can help improve it. You can see the early results for yourself.
Now imagine if some proprietary software company or mapping data provider had got involved?
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