Open Source

As we move into 2013, Directions Magazine will deliver many more options for readers who want choices in how they get their news. See what's coming!

Directions Magazine’s Editor in Chief Joe Francica and Executive Editor Adena Schutzberg evaluate their predictions for 2012 and look ahead. Can they keep up the pace for 2013 and do their bold predictions offer insights into the trends that will shape the geospatial marketplace next year?

If you’ve been following election news, you’re likely aware of the controversy surrounding Pennsylvania’s strict Voter ID law. The new law requires that citizens show valid photo ID (restricted to a few types) when they cast a ballot. Tamara Manik-Perlman of Azavea analyzes the law's impact.

The following article is a reprint of part one of a two part series authored by Dennis Wuthrich, president of Farallon Geographics. It describes an open source geospatial application for airport noise operations and management.

OpenStreetMap has been making the news quite a bit since last fall. Executive Editor Adena Schutzberg asks, do you know everything you need to know about this important data project?

The Free and Open Source Software for Geospatial North America (FOSS4GNA) conference was held in Washington, D.C. on April 10-13. Hot on the heels of FOSS4G in Denver last fall and a warm-up for FOSS4G 2012 in Beijing, China, the event drew 360 attendees, with many coming from the local area. 

Use of open source software for geospatial is old hat to some, and still rather new to others. These articles and podcasts from the first quarter of 2012 include some basics,  reviews and industry trends in open source and open data.

Ken Yanow, professor of geographical sciences at Southwestern College in Chula Vista, CA, is contributing a

How confident are you in your knowledge of open source geospatial software? How about a quick introduction or refresher? Executive Editor Adena Schutzberg offers 10 points that are important to understand about open source software.

Exeucitve Editor Adena Schutzberg picked out the top "Directions on the News" podcasts from the last six months. If you missed them the first time around - here's an opportunity to catch up!