The FOSSGIS conference (Free and Open Source Software for Geographical Information Systems) takes place annually, usually in Germany. This year it takes place in Salzburg, Austria. Tickets are still available. Register here. Registration is free for OSM contributors.

This big conference has included OpenStreetMap as a large part of the programme, and has welcomed OpenStreetMap community attendees throughout the history of our project. We gave a round-up of local SOTM conferences previously. Essentially FOSSGIS is the local “State Of The Map” conference for the German-speaking part of the world. With over 400 attendees last year, this is a big event in general, and a big event on the OpenStreetMap calendar!

This year the conference also features a special “OSM Sunday” in the run up to the main conference. Sunday July 3rd is a day dedicated to OpenStreetMap topics. Don’t miss it! On top of that, around half of the presentations, lightning talks and workshops during the week at the conference will be on OpenStreetMap topics (other topics being around open source geo software). And don’t forget the big social event on Tuesday, July 5th.

Community voting for State of the Map 2016 is now OPEN! Inspired by the community that makes OSM a reality we want you (!!) to inform the conference program.

Community voting means you now have a say in the talks that mark this historic conference. To participate in the vote, please head over to the survey site.

After you click the link, we will ask you to prove you’re not a robot. You can provide us with your OSM username to help us with spam detection. You’ll then get a huge page of talks to rate, sorted at random. Feel free to rate as many as you like. Just don’t leave the page open for too long, as your session might time out. When you’re tired of it, just scroll down, hit Next until you can Submit your answers.

This is a breakdown of what it all means:

Voting will be open until June 10. We want to hear from the community but also know your privacy is paramount. Your vote can be anonymous if you wish, and will always be confidential.

You matter in the creation of OpenStreetMap and we want your voice to be heard in the creation of its conference. So vote!

The open source survey tool is kindly hosted by Made4it (http://www.made4it.be/), a Belgian data analysis and market research company.

On September 23 we convene in Brussels to discuss the achievements and future of OpenStreetMap at the international State of the Map 2016 conference.

SOTM 2016 Session Proposals and Scholarships! 

The call for proposals and scholarships closed the other week and the organizing committee is hard at work curating a conference from all the amazing (really amazing) applications. But we wanted to let you know something first. We had more session and scholarship submissions than ever!!! Counting any OpenStreetMap conference!! Ever!

Our world-breaking numbers for State of the Map 2016 are:

• 196 session proposals!!!!
• 157 scholarship applications!!!

Everyone has something to contribute to OpenStreetMap and so many want to be at the international conference to say it.  In the coming weeks, the conference program committee will read through each of these submissions and we’ll start to put together the program. So expect more news on the State of the Map schedule by end of June. It’s going to be an exciting summer and a geo happy September. We hope to see everyone there!

Early bird tickets for State of the Map 2016 are now on sale! Come register for this international gathering of the OpenStreetMap community. Move fast. We might sell out! 😉

State of the Map offers value for anyone excited about open location data. Our main conference days will feature nearly 50 talks, open spaces for gatherings, and exhibition areas where individuals and organizations can meet. Hundreds of OpenStreetMap community members are expected to attend and we want you there! Register now or if you need financial assistance, apply for a scholarship.

Here are your links:

• Tickets!
• Scholarship Application (Deadline May 21st)
• Sponsorship Information

The early bird catches the worm. Or “Le monde appartient à ceux qui se lèvent tôt.” The world of OpenStreetMap belong to those who get (tickets) early.

OpenStreetMap is a world map of many people and places. And we want you all there for our upcoming State of the Map conference in Brussels.

Apply now for a scholarship and join us for State of the Map in Brussels!

Have you made an amazing map, written mappy code, contributed documentation, organized an event, or been an advocate for the OpenStreetMap community? Have you done it all? We want your voice as part of our international gathering. Don’t let the cost of travel stand in your way!

We use part of our State of the Map budget to assist individuals who may not be able to attend State of the Map for whatever financial reason. Support for one another is core to the mission of OpenStreetMap and our State of the Map conference. Scholarships help support the growth of a diverse and international map and an international conference. The point of our map is community, and we want you there.

Application can be found here.

We will carefully review every application and try to get you to Brussels. The scholarships cover full or partial cost of flights, travel expenses and accommodations. So let us know what you need and we will listen.

Your deadline: Sunday May 21, 2016.

Note: You can respond in English, en français, auf Deutsch, or in het Nederlands.

If you have any questions, concerns or want to provide additional information, please contact us at scholarships@stateofthemap.org.

Mappers are the network that provide the passion and the eyes on the ground, making OpenStreetMap the best map in the world. State of the Map brings mappers, programmers, practitioners, entrepreneurs, and policy makers together to connect and advance that map.

The OSM community invites you to submit session proposals at the 2016 State of the Map, by May 21.

This year, we are especially proud of the diversity of people and organizations helping to build, strengthen, and elevate the map; and those who are recognizing an open map’s potential to advance various missions. We’re excited to be growing our community of mappers and welcome applications for innovative and interactive sessions.

You are encouraged to submit proposals for 20 minute talks, 5 minute lightning talks, and 90 minute workshops that will result in progress and excitement in the world of OpenStreetMap. The deadline is May 21, 2016.

Apply here

Note: You can respond in English, en français, auf Deutsch, or in het Nederlands.

We’re excited to read your ideas for State of the Map 2016!
State of the Map Organizing Committee

p.s. Sign up to our newsletter below to stay updated with the latest information.

This September 23-25th, we will hold OpenStreetMap’s 2016 State of the Map conference in Brussels, Belgium. Come make the most important gathering of open mapping enthusiasts a reality by sponsoring this amazing event. From scholarships to low-ticket prices to social events, the organizations that step up to support the State of the Map conference help create the future of the OpenStreetMap community and project. Sponsoring organizations are able to directly connect with the creators and developers of OpenStreetMap.

Help us create the best OpenStreetMap conference to date by sponsoring State of the Map. Download our prospectus, and to discuss your options, contact us at sponsors@stateofthemap.org.  

Last week’s terrorist events in Brussels have been deeply shocking. They hit close for us who are organizing this year’s State of the Map in this beautiful city. We are fortunate to report that everyone involved in planning activities is safe. Now our thoughts are with those affected by the attacks this week in Brussels but also with the many victims of terrorism in the world.

OpenStreetMap is a global community and our mission to map the world tears down barriers and brings together people from all over the globe.

So now more than ever, we invite you to attend this year’s State of the Map to celebrate this spirit that stands in opposition of the terrorism that is trying to divide us today.

One map, one community – we’re looking forward to seeing you in September.

Your State of the Map organizing committee.

PS: We are monitoring the situation closely as Brussels is recovering from the attack and assess security measures at the conference. If you have any questions or concerns regarding State of the Map and the recent terrorist attacks, send us a line.

The state of the map working group are delighted to announce that the call for venues for 2017 is now open!

http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/State_Of_The_Map_2017/Call_for_venues

Why so early?

Following on from last year we are opening the call for venues early. This gives you the greatest flexibility over dates you can pick in 2017. It also makes it easier for others who may be wanting to run OpenStreetMap events – we can assist with calendar planning to help avoid any problematic clashes.

How’s SotM 2016 shaping up?

Planning for State of the Map 2016 in Brussels is coming along nicely. We’ve got a date, a great venue and have also secured a hotel deal for the delegates. Keep up to date with all the latest news about event tickets, scholarships and the “call for presentations” by signing up to our newsletter.

What’s the vision for 2017?

State of the Map has traditionally been an annual conference of a few hundred delegates. During 2015 we looked at the key aims of the OSM get together and developed a vision for 2017. The vision is sufficiently broad to accept all styles of bid – we’re open to new ideas if a compelling case is put forward.

Contact us

The State of the Map working group is here to help you. This year we have provided a template to help you when it comes to recording details about potential venues and catering services. We encourage you to contact us on info@stateofthemap.org as early as possible so that we can provide guidance if required.

— State of the Map, working group