GEOSPATIAL FRONTIERS

A Publication by Project Geospatial

LOOKING BEYOND

THE MAP

Geospatial Frontiers, a new publication from Project Geospatial, brings together leading voices and experts from across the geospatial ecosystem to tackle the industry's most pressing challenges. Through in-depth articles and discussions, Geospatial Frontiers aims to explore innovative solutions and spark critical conversations that will shape the future of geospatial technology and its applications.

AUTHORS

Adam Simmons

Keith Barber

Fred Woods

Adam Simmons 12/22/25 Adam Simmons 12/22/25

The Geospatial Crossroads: Mission, Maintenance, and the Future of Open Source Governance

Is the era of centralized open-source governance ending? This in-depth analysis examines the existential crisis facing OSGeo as it approaches its twentieth anniversary, caught in an "Institutional Trap" between a struggling global foundation and thriving regional chapters like FOSS4G North America. Explore the critical tensions defining the future of the geospatial technology stack, including debates over FOSS4G brand ownership, controversial revenue-sharing proposals, and the rising demand for "Sovereign Open Source" models to navigate complex geopolitical and regulatory landscapes.