Group curators
Pen-Yuan Hsing
- @Nycticebus_scientia
- | he/they
MammalWeb.org
Amanda Matthes
Brianna Johns
- @briannajohns
- | she/they
Gathering for Open Science Hardware (GOSH)
Despite critical advancements in the tech solutions available to conservationists worldwide, many existing tools are cost-prohibitive in the landscapes that need them most. Additionally, those who create low-cost and open-source alternatives to pricey market tech often operate on tight budgets themselves, meaning they need more resources to promote their solutions to a broader market. We need increased communication around these solutions to highlight their availability, share lessons learned in their creation, and avoid duplication of efforts.
This group is a place to share low-cost, open-source devices for conservation; describe how they are used, including what needs they are addressing and how they fit into the wider conservation tech market; identify the obstacles in advancing the capacity of these technologies; and to discuss the future of these solutions, particularly their sustainability and how best to collaborate moving forward. We welcome contributions from both makers and users, whether active or prospective.
Here is how we see the current OSS space and how this group plans to change it by supporting both makers and users:
Many users do not appreciate the significant benefits of open-source tech. This group will educate users about the advantages and the need for open-source tech, specifically in the context of ecology work. We achieve this by stimulating regular discussions on the forum and by encouraging and supporting users to use open-source tools wherever possible.
Building OSS can be difficult. We want to support both established and potential makers who wish to develop OSS. The OSS group is a place where makers can find funding opportunities, ask current and potential users questions, and share their technologies.
Using OSS can be difficult. We also want to support adopters of OSS tech. We do this by offering a place for users to share challenges they face and crowdsource advice on things like technology choice or technical support.
Makers do not know what users want or need. The OSS group is a place that facilitates conversations between makers and users. This will give users a voice and ensure that makers are aware of the needs of users, enabling them to build better solutions.
The community is small and scattered. We want to grow an inclusive community of OSS practitioners. Our goal is to become the go-to place for discussions on the topic where people feel a sense of belonging.
Resources for getting started
- How do I use open source remote sensing data in Google Earth Engine? | Tech Tutors
- How do I use open source remote sensing data to monitor fishing? | Tech Tutors
- Low Cost, Open Source Solutions | Virtual Meetup
- What would an open source conservation technology toolkit look like? | Discussion
- December 2024 Open Source Solutions Community Call
Header image: Shawn F. McCracken
Group curators
- @Nycticebus_scientia
- | he/they
MammalWeb.org
Co-founded citizen science camera-trapping project with interest in developing 100% open source wildlife tech. Advocate for open science/open research. Community member of the Gathering for Open Science Hardware.
- 3 Resources
- 24 Discussions
- 3 Groups
trying to understand and improve the welfare of all animals that can suffer
- 4 Resources
- 6 Discussions
- 7 Groups
- @briannajohns
- | she/they
Gathering for Open Science Hardware (GOSH)
Interested in the application of open source technologies for conservation research.
- 9 Resources
- 4 Discussions
- 4 Groups
- 1 Resources
- 2 Discussions
- 7 Groups
- @womble
- | he/him
AI Researcher, with 30+ years experience in academia and industry. Currently consulting for a company using drone imagery to analyse property heat loss. Expertise in machine learning, NLP, python, Google Cloud. https://julianrichardson.net
- 0 Resources
- 6 Discussions
- 6 Groups
- @Harsha
- | He/Him
I am a marine biologist / acoustic ecologist from Australia. Fascinated by bioacoustics, I always look forward to learning from people in conservation!
- 0 Resources
- 0 Discussions
- 11 Groups
- @adamsteer
- | Dr/He/Him
Researcher and consultant focused on snow, ice and landscapes, drone pilot, lidar and airborne remote sensing analyst. Based in Australia, thinks a lot about connected systems in mountain and polar landscapes. Open source geospatial specialist.
- 0 Resources
- 2 Discussions
- 4 Groups
- 0 Resources
- 3 Discussions
- 8 Groups
- @LucyD
- | She/Her
Software developer and wildlife ecologist
- 0 Resources
- 2 Discussions
- 5 Groups
- @PhilAtkin
- | He/Him
Embedded software developer of 40+ years experience, hardware designer.
- 3 Resources
- 22 Discussions
- 6 Groups
- @stevef
- | he/him
Tech Matters
Project Director, Terraso.org (1000 Landscapes for 1 Billion People): open source software for farmers, ranchers & communities.
- 0 Resources
- 2 Discussions
- 4 Groups
- @IvanIoSA
- | He/Him
CTO of IoSA, the Internet of Small Animals. Creator of ProxLogs
- 0 Resources
- 5 Discussions
- 7 Groups
St. Lawrence University
Professor of Biology at St. Lawrence University
- 0 Resources
- 2 Discussions
- 13 Groups
- @diego_lizcano
- | He/Him
Wildlife biologist interested in biodiversity monitoring and the conservation of mammals. Passionate photographer.
- 0 Resources
- 0 Discussions
- 7 Groups
Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior
- 0 Resources
- 2 Discussions
- 5 Groups
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| Description | Activity | Replies | Groups | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hi Lucy,I now realised it is an old thread and you most likely have already found a solution long ago but this might be of interest to others.As mentioned previously, it is... |
+5
|
Camera Traps, Data management and processing tools, Open Source Solutions, Software Development | 6 months 3 weeks ago | |
| No problem at all Yu (@JY) and good luck with your studies! Happy to discuss this and any other ideas any time.All the best,Rob |
+10
|
Sensors, Animal Movement, Connectivity, Drones, Open Source Solutions, Emerging Tech | 6 months 3 weeks ago | |
| Hi all! I wanted to open a discussion on a topic that I've been thinking about ever since I entered the job market-- how to get a... |
|
Software Development, AI for Conservation, Early Career, Open Source Solutions | 6 months 3 weeks ago | |
| Hi Brett, I am interested in developing really low cost multi channel underwater acoustic recorders. Can you tell me a bit more about the board and stuff you were using... |
|
Build Your Own Data Logger Community, Acoustics, Camera Traps, Climate Change, East Africa Community, Marine Conservation, Open Source Solutions, Protected Area Management Tools | 7 months ago | |
| Jared's answer is excellent IMHO. One level down, you have a couple of options. One is to charge for the convenience of buying a finished, assembled, and tested product, that's... |
+8
|
Emerging Tech, Funding and Finance, Open Source Solutions | 7 months 1 week ago | |
| Do you use camera traps? If so, we'd love if you could take five minutes to fill out this survey: tinyurl.com/zambasurveyWith our WILDLABS... |
|
AI for Conservation, Camera Traps, Data management and processing tools, Software Development, Open Source Solutions | 7 months 2 weeks ago | |
| Hi @benweinstein !Surely a general detector might be very useful for detecting objects in aerial imagery! Maybe something similar to what MegaDetector does in camera trap images,... |
|
AI for Conservation, Open Source Solutions, Protected Area Management Tools, Drones, Geospatial | 8 months 1 week ago | |
| Very interesting topic |
|
Citizen Science, Community Base, Open Source Solutions, Geospatial | 9 months 2 weeks ago | |
| Thank you so much! Now everything is in the hands of amazing organizations and companies! But the first results of the Disaster Management cohort are bringing a very optimistic... |
|
AI for Conservation, Climate Change, Early Career, East Africa Community, eDNA & Genomics, Emerging Tech, Ending Wildlife Trafficking Online, Human-Wildlife Conflict, Open Source Solutions | 9 months 3 weeks ago | |
| A community device isn’t just about the technology; it’s also about creating a collaborative community. Shout out to all innovators... |
|
Animal Movement, Marine Conservation, Open Source Solutions, Sensors | 10 months 3 weeks ago | |
| Fantastic!! |
|
Acoustics, AI for Conservation, Animal Movement, Build Your Own Data Logger Community, Community Base, Early Career, Ethics of Conservation Tech, Marine Conservation, Open Source Solutions | 11 months 2 weeks ago | |
| Hi Steph, We appreciate the support! Thanks for the tag and your help managing the community!Patrick |
|
Sensors, Acoustics, Conservation Dogs, Emerging Tech, Open Source Solutions | 1 year ago |
