Open Source Solutions

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Open Source Solutions / Feed

This group is for anyone interested in open-source technologies for ecology and conservation. We welcome contributions from both makers and users, whether active or prospective. Here, we believe in the need for open-source hardware and software to do good science and research. It is a place to share novel or existing technologies, exchange resources, discuss new projects, ask for advice, find collaborators, and advocate for adopting open-source technologies.

Group curators

Pen-Yuan Hsing

@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. Former Community Councilor of the Gathering for Open Science Hardware.

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Amanda Matthes

@Amanda_Matthes

trying to understand and improve the welfare of all animals that can suffer

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Brianna Johns

@briannajohns
| she/they

Gathering for Open Science Hardware (GOSH)

Interested in the application of open source technologies for conservation research.

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396

Active members

Active discussions

369

Comments

125

Resources

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

TBC: xx articles
4 Resources
25 Discussions
3 Groups

@Amanda_Matthes

trying to understand and improve the welfare of all animals that can suffer

TBC: xx articles
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.

TBC: xx articles
9 Resources
5 Discussions
4 Groups

Country based in

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@Prabisha
| she/her

Dedicated research scientist with over 8 years of experience in cartography, spatial analysis, and statistical modeling to tackle environmental, public health, and socio-economic challenges. Passionate about leveraging geospatial technology to drive impactful solutions.

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12 Groups

@hannahilea
| she/her

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0 Resources
0 Discussions
6 Groups

@albags

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9 Resources
2 Discussions
9 Groups

@dtoutoungi

Data Scientist/AI Engineer, Birdwatcher, Trail Runner: here to learn about conservation tech & contribute where I can.

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0 Discussions
11 Groups

@GusGoesWild

TBC: xx articles
0 Resources
0 Discussions
6 Groups

@Stelios
| he/him

I am a Software Developer living in Berlin, Germany. Previously studied Informatics (BSc) and Data Science (MSc) in Athens, Greece.

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12 Groups

@ctjack1109
| He/Him

I am a graduate student at Purdue University developing low-cost IoT technology to measure wetland methane emissions. This, paired with my undergraduate education in Wildlife and Fisheries Resources, has me naturally drawn to advanced tech coupled with conservation issues.

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9 Groups

@lvgliarose
| she/her

Bat Conservation Trust

Research Manager at Bat Conservation Trust

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0 Resources
8 Discussions
12 Groups

@Jan_Kowalik

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0 Resources
1 Discussions
6 Groups

@diego_ellis_soto
| he/him

University of California & California Academy of Sciences

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0 Discussions
20 Groups

@mattaudette
| he, him, his

Software Tester and Test Automator at Wildlife Protection Solutions

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1 Discussions
24 Groups

@Rutwik
| Mr

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Description	Activity	Replies	Groups	Updated
Conservation Tech Directory - new update!	Thanks so much!!		Acoustics, AI for Conservation, Animal Movement, Camera Traps, Community Base, Data management and processing tools, Drones, eDNA & Genomics, Emerging Tech, Open Source Solutions, Geospatial, Software Development	2 years 10 months ago
How can open source tools make conservation tech more sustainable and accessible?	I've been working with a current visiting scholar who's from China and has been interested in getting started with some acoustic monitoring studies when he goes back to China...		Open Source Solutions	3 years 1 month ago
Self-powered Buoy collecting vital sensor data -- Looking for conservation projects to collaborate with	If you're looking to identify collaborators - probably lots of organizations listed in the Conservation Tech Directory would be interested (quick prelim search yields orgs like...		Marine Conservation, Open Source Solutions	3 years 1 month ago
On the lookout for CAD/Microcontroller work!	Hey all!I'm well into my journey into the field of conservation now, after volunteering and freelancing for a couple of different...		Animal Movement, Community Base, Open Source Solutions	3 years 1 month ago
Join Seeed’s “IoT Into the Wild Contest for Sustainable Planet 2022” on Hackster to Get 100 Free Hardware and to Win $14,000+ in Prizes!!	Dear Community,Together with Hackster.io, Seeed Studio is very happy to jointly organize “IoT Into the Wild Contest for Sustainable Plant...		AI for Conservation, Connectivity, Emerging Tech, Open Source Solutions, Sensors	3 years 2 months ago
Apply to the 2022 GOSH Gathering in Panamá!	There are only a few days left to apply to the 2022 Gathering for Open Science Hardware! Join a community of scientists, hardware developers, artists, and activists...		Community Base, Open Source Solutions	3 years 3 months ago
Gathering for Open Science Hardware - Panama Oct 2022	We are excited to announce that the 2022 Gathering will be held in Panamá from October 26-29. Applications to attend are now open,...		Open Source Solutions	3 years 4 months ago
GOSH Regional Events Funding - Second Round Now Open!	The Gathering for Open Science Hardware (GOSH) has opened its second round of regional events funding! This program is perfect for groups...		Community Base, Open Source Solutions	3 years 5 months ago
Call for solutions on technology for conservation impact	At IUCN, we are collecting examples of best practices and case studies of tech use in and around protected and conserved...		Open Source Solutions	3 years 5 months ago
Tech Tutors: How do I turn a conservation tech project into a product?	Hi Wildlabbers! Tomorrow Shah Selbe will be our Tech Tutor and guide us through how to turn an innovative conservation tech...		Open Source Solutions, Sensors	3 years 9 months ago
What would an open source conservation technology toolkit look like?	Hi Akiba, Just found out from the marketing dept at my work the cost to host multiple specs - very expensive [$NZ 7K-10K]. Host it on GitHub for starters then. I...	+18	Open Source Solutions	4 years 3 months ago
Volunteer 3D Design Work (Simple) for Your Open Source Project!	Amazingly nice offer! Thanks! I know how projects can sometimes be stressful. I had a bit of that feeling lately when having to figure out how to code a trap alarm my...		Open Source Solutions	4 years 3 months ago

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