The Open Source Geospatial Foundation (OSGeo) and the International Cartographic Association (ICA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the aim of developing on a global basis collaboration opportunities for academia, industry and government organizations in open source GIS software and data. The MoU aims to provide expertise and support for the establishment of Open Source Geospatial Laboratories and Research Centres across the world for supporting development of open source geospatial software technologies, training and expertise.
In the first phase five laboratories will be established, one each in Asia, Europe, Africa, the Americas and Australasia which will act as nodes for future expansion. It also aims to provide support for building-up and supporting development of open source GIS teaching and training materials, joint organization of open source GIS events, and workshops through the ICA network for wider participation globally.
A hands-on objective of the MoU is to jointly organize walk-in events where cartographic professionals can access and use a set of open source software.Both organizations are also interested in supporting young academics by lowering the barrier to good cartography through collaborative efforts on both sides.
The MoU will build upon the Open Source Geospatial Lab UK initiative started at the University of Nottingham. An Open Source Geospatial Lab is now being established in Malaysia.

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