Support Geocompx: Open-Source Geocomputation Resources

by jsendak | Dec 6, 2024 | DS Articles

As 2024 comes to an end, we have things to celebrate in the geocompx community, including the completion of two books: the second edition of Geocomputation with R and the first edition of Geocomputation with Python. Both books are open-source, can be accessed by anyone for free online, and will be on sale soon (watch this space). We are proud of the work we have done, grateful for the contributions we have received, and excited about the future.

We think that open source and open access resources are essential for the development of the field of geocomputation. They allow people to learn about geocomputation, improve their skills, and solve real-world problems. They also enable researchers to share their work, collaborate with others, and build on existing knowledge. In short, we believe that open-source geocomputational resources can make the world a better place.

However, creating, maintaining, and contributing to such resources is time-consuming and can be hard to sustain, especially for newcomers to open source software development who are likely to be younger and less financially secure.¹

Now, we opened two ways to support the geocompx project financially:

1. First, you can donate to the project using the following link: donate.stripe.com/4gweWl94Q9E35AQ6oo.
2. Second, you can sponsor the project on GitHub at github.com/sponsors/geocompx.

The donations and sponsorships will be used to support the development and maintenance of the project. Our ideas for using the funds include:²

• Paying for the domain and other infrastructure costs
• Supporting contributors to the project, for example, by providing free books or bounties³
• Organizing competitions and other events to promote the project and engage the community

We appreciate any support you can provide, whether it’s a one-time donation, a monthly sponsorship, or simply spreading the word about the project. Thank you for helping us make open-source geocomputational resources more accessible and sustainable!

@online{nowosad,_robin_lovelace2024,
  author = {Nowosad, Robin Lovelace, Jakub},
  title = {Support Geocomp*x* and the Development of Open-Source
    Geocomputation Resources!},
  date = {2024-12-06},
  url = {https://geocompx.org/post/2024/support/},
  langid = {en}
}

Continue reading: Support geocompx and the development of open-source geocomputation resources!

Future Developments in Open-Source Geocomputation

As we bid farewell to 2024, it is evident that the field of geocomputation is gaining ground, with the completion of two noteworthy texts: Geocomputation with R second edition and the first edition of Geocomputation with Python. Produced by the geocompx community, these books are available for free as open-source resources, underscoring the team’s dedication to fostering information accessibility and skill enhancement in the field of geocomputation.

The Value of Open-Source Geocomputational Resources

The geocompx community champions the importance of open-source resources within the realm of geocomputation. The proponents argue that such resources do not just facilitate learning and skill enhancement, but also provide a platform for global researchers to share their work, foster collaborations, and build upon existing knowledge. Their aim is simple: to leverage open-source geocomputational resources to create a better world. However, they acknowledge the significant challenges involved in establishing and maintaining these resources, particularly for beginners in open-source software development, who are likely younger and less financially secure.

Supporting the Initiative

The geocompx project has opened up avenues for financial support via two mechanisms. Donations can be made directly using a specific link or sponsorship can be engaged through GitHub. Contributions are primarily funneled into infrastructural costs, such as domain procurement, while also offering various forms of support to contributors. The geocompx project also aims to leverage funds to facilitate competitions and community events to improve visibility and engagement in the project.

The Long-Term Implications

With free access to open-source textbooks like Geocomputation with R and Geocomputation with Python, more individuals can gain deep insights into geocomputation, potentially catalyzing research innovations and solutions to address real-world challenges. Moreover, fostering such a culture of knowledge sharing can stimulate effective collaborations, further propelling advancements in the field.

On another note, the financial support model of geocompx appears to be poised for a long-standing, sustainable future. Contributions manifest as a direct investment into the field of geocomputation by funding infrastructure costs, supporting contributors, and facilitating community events – all of which are crucial to the continual growth and development of the field.

Actionable Advice

If you value the work of the geocompx community and believe in the power of open-source resources, consider supporting their efforts. Donations can be made via Stripe or through sponsorship on GitHub. Even if a financial contribution is not viable for you, spreading the word about the project can be hugely impactful.

In a broader perspective, individuals, corporations, and educational institutions with vested interest in geocomputation can also incorporate these open-source texts into their learning and research processes. They offer a treasure trove of knowledge that can spark new lines of thought, facilitate skills development, and fuel progress in the world of geocomputation.

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