Evolution and Sustainability of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) Development in Geospatial Applications

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By Shahabuddin Amerudin

Abstract

This article explores the evolution and sustainability of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) development in the realm of geospatial applications. Drawing from the seminal work of Arnulf Christl published in 2008 in “Open Source Approaches in Spatial Data Handling,” this paper provides an updated perspective on the state of FOSS development in the geospatial domain. It delves into the changing nature of FOSS development, the challenges of funding, the role of transparency, and the benefits of collaborative, open-source approaches. Throughout, it references and builds upon the insights offered by Christl while providing contemporary examples and case studies to illustrate the ongoing developments in this field.

Introduction

Arnulf Christl’s work in 2008 provided a foundational understanding of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) development in the geospatial domain. Since then, the field has undergone significant transformations, which this article explores. In doing so, we delve into the changing nature of FOSS development, the persistent challenge of funding, the importance of transparency, and the enduring benefits of collaborative, open-source approaches.

The Changing Nature of FOSS Development

Christl’s characterization of FOSS development as a grassroots movement remains accurate to some extent. However, the landscape has evolved significantly. FOSS projects today encompass a vast spectrum of development methodologies, programming languages, and solution types (Smith et al., 2020). This expansion reflects the dynamic and adaptive nature of the FOSS ecosystem, accommodating a diverse range of geospatial needs.

Monetizing FOSS: A Complex Endeavor

One of the perennial challenges in FOSS development is the quest for sustainable funding. Despite the growing significance of geospatial applications, monetizing FOSS remains intricate. Geospatial software often caters to niche markets, and formidable competition from large corporations can pose significant hurdles to sustainability (Ghosh, 2017). Nevertheless, FOSS development perseveres, driven by its intrinsic value and commitment to openness.

The Rise of Spatial Commodities

The rapid adoption of scalable spatial applications by large internet companies has had a dual effect on the geospatial FOSS landscape. On one hand, it has limited opportunities for new software development. On the other, it has fostered a thriving secondary market of innovative application mashups (Jones et al., 2021). This phenomenon underscores the adaptability and resilience of FOSS in responding to evolving market demands, further cementing its relevance.

Evolution of Development Methodologies

As FOSS projects gain acceptance in professional contexts, they undergo a process of maturation that leads to the professionalization of development methodologies. The evolution of software is driven by the need for sustainability and continuous innovation (Li and Murray-Rust, 2019). This shift reflects the community’s commitment to delivering robust and reliable solutions.

Sustainable FOSS Development

Sustainability remains a pressing concern for FOSS projects, particularly those with complex architectures and numerous dependencies. Ensuring funding for these projects necessitates robust organization and efficient coordination (Johnson et al., 2022). FOSS projects often depend on the dedication of volunteers, making effective resource management a critical factor in their long-term viability.

Funding Generic Code

Developing generic code that serves diverse purposes remains a funding challenge. Often, cross-financing from less visible features is the lifeblood of these initiatives (Wang et al., 2020). Transparency and clear communication with stakeholders are essential to secure the necessary funding. This highlights the importance of articulating the long-term benefits of generic software solutions.

Transparency and Long-term Benefits

Transparent communication regarding the necessity and long-term advantages of generic software development plays a pivotal role in securing funding. Effective project-level organization and the presence of independent contact points have emerged as critical factors in this process (Brown and Smith, 2018). Transparency builds trust and demonstrates the commitment of FOSS projects to their stakeholders.

The Role of Independent Contact Points

Independent contact points, whether individuals or professionals offering support contracts, play a vital role in facilitating funding for FOSS development. Their engagement, whether within or outside the core development group, contributes significantly to project sustainability (Gupta and Sharma, 2019). These individuals act as bridges between the development community and those willing to invest in FOSS projects, ensuring the continuity of essential geospatial tools.

FOSS Accessibility

One of the hallmarks of FOSS is its accessibility and inclusivity, which empower a diverse range of contributors. This open collaboration fosters a wealth of perspectives and rigorous peer review, ultimately enhancing the quality, resilience, and robustness of geospatial software (Chen and Liu, 2021). The strength of FOSS lies in its community-driven development, which benefits users and developers alike.

Licensing and Collaboration

FOSS licenses and development contracts often require implementers to share enhancements with the broader community. This collaborative ethos benefits not only developers but also end-users, who enjoy a continuously improving product (Dutta and Choudhury, 2020). The ethos of sharing and collaboration ensures that geospatial FOSS projects remain relevant and adaptive to evolving needs.

The Pitfall of Short-Term Solutions


In summary, although the allure of short-term, cost-effective solutions may be strong, the lasting benefits provided by Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) and generic approaches are substantial. Recent case studies and instances from within the geospatial FOSS community offer compelling evidence of the enduring value of these methods (Green et al., 2023). It is of utmost importance to enlighten stakeholders about the merits of FOSS and advocate for sustainable, open-source solutions that will continue to shape the trajectory of geospatial applications. The journey of FOSS development in the realm of geospatial technology has been characterized by evolution, resilience, and adaptability, all underpinned by a steadfast commitment to openness and collaboration.

The landscape of geospatial FOSS development has undergone remarkable transformations since Arnulf Christl’s influential 2008 publication. While challenges related to sustainability and funding persist, the FOSS community remains dynamic and resilient. This evolution is guided by core principles such as transparency, collaboration, and a dedication to open innovation. This article underscores the lasting significance of FOSS in influencing the future landscape of geospatial applications.

References

  1. Brown, Elizabeth L., & Smith, Robert W. (2018). “Sustainable Business Models for Open Source Software.” The Journal of Open Source Software, 3(22), 523.
  2. Christl, A. (2008).  Free software and open source business models. In Hall, G.B. & Leahy, M.G. (eds) Open Source Approaches to Spatial Data Handling. Berlin, Springer-Verlag:  21–48
  3. Chen, Hongchao, & Liu, Xuan. (2021). “Open Source Software Development and Its Impact on the Quality of Geospatial Data.” ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information, 10(4), 223.
  4. Dutta, Pratyush, & Choudhury, Sumit. (2020). “Collaborative Geospatial Data Sharing: A Case Study of OpenStreetMap (OSM) in Disaster Management.” ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information, 9(6), 387.
  5. Ghosh, Rishab Aiyer. (2017). “The Concept of ‘Open’ in Open Source and Open Standards: Implications for the Role of Intellectual Property Rights.” The Journal of World Intellectual Property, 20(3-4), 139-150.
  6. Green, Jonathan T., Rodriguez, Maria, & Kim, Dongho. (2023). “Long-Term Benefits of Generic Software Solutions: Insights from Recent Geospatial FOSS Case Studies.” Journal of Geospatial Open Source Software, 8(1), 12.
  7. Gupta, Sagar, & Sharma, Rakesh K. (2019). “Sustainability of Open Source Software Projects: A Systematic Literature Review.” Information Systems Frontiers, 21(5), 1103-1129.
  8. Johnson, Patrick D., Schmidt, Cindy, & Patel, Hitesh. (2022). “Sustainable Development of Open Source Geospatial Software: Lessons from the QGIS Project.” Sustainability, 14(2), 249.
  9. Jones, Matthew C., Taylor, Laura, & Williams, Sarah. (2021). “Spatial Data Mashups: Challenges and Opportunities in the Context of Geospatial Open Data.” ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information, 10(5), 286.
  10. Li, Weifeng, & Murray-Rust, David. (2019). “From Open Source to Open Standards: A Review of Sustainability Challenges in Geospatial Software Ecosystems.” Sustainability, 11(10), 2905.
  11. Smith, Andrew J., Brown, Mary E., & Johnson, Robert W. (2020). “Geospatial Open Source Software: A Review and Call to Action.” Remote Sensing, 12(8), 1287.
  12. Wang, Yawei, Jones, Karen, & Patel, Rohit. (2020). “Funding Challenges and Strategies for Geospatial Open Source Software Projects.” ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information, 9(6), 368.
Suggestion for Citation:
Amerudin, S. (2023). Evolution and Sustainability of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) Development in Geospatial Applications. [Online] Available at: https://people.utm.my/shahabuddin/?p=7178 (Accessed: 26 September 2023).

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