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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@Larry_Watkins

Wildlife Protection Solutions (WPS)

TBC: xx articles
0 Resources
0 Discussions
8 Groups

@KathHecht
| she/her

I am a biologist/ecologist without concrete specialisation. New Zealand's unique but fragile flora & fauna have taught me the importance of increasing awareness with locals and visitors alike. This is my constant motivator.

TBC: xx articles
0 Resources
0 Discussions
10 Groups

@TSarm

An ex-Physicist getting involved in conservation through tech and interpreting/translating (EN-PT). tiagosarmento.co.uk

TBC: xx articles
1 Resources
1 Discussions
4 Groups

@tmcgrath
| He / Him

Geographer, Program Manager, Engineering Manager

TBC: xx articles
0 Resources
1 Discussions
11 Groups

@mungbean

Lecturer and researcher interested in rural applications of Interaction Design. Spent more than a decade teaching in Asia-Pacific (India, China, Singapore, Australia); now based at Glasgow School of Art's rural campus in Forres, Scottish Highlands.

TBC: xx articles
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0 Discussions
5 Groups

@kricherds
| she/her

Technologist. Civic Science Fellow & Data Inclusion Specialist at OEDP.

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0 Discussions
14 Groups

@NinaTuttie
| She

An avid learner interested in wildlife ecology, conservation technology and community development

TBC: xx articles
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0 Discussions
8 Groups

@KiaraHaylock
| She/Her

PhD in Animal Ecology and Behavioural Physiology. Interested in the movement, behavioural and physiological responses of animals to environmental variability.

TBC: xx articles
0 Resources
0 Discussions
13 Groups

@bastiaandenbraber

20+ years traveler and management consultant turned tech founder and conservationist. Founder & CEO of ZAMBEZI ZERØ; super intelligence to safeguard biodiversity.

TBC: xx articles
0 Resources
0 Discussions
15 Groups

@jamie_mac

Sea Mammal Research Unit Univ' St Andrews

I work in marine bioacoustics with a focus on the conservation of marine mammals. Most of the time I'm developing and using passive acoustic technology to study the underwater behaviour of dolphins and porpoises. I'm also a keen developer on the PAMGuard project.

TBC: xx articles
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23 Discussions
6 Groups

@brunameneses
| she/her

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0 Resources
0 Discussions
8 Groups

@Ciro_Damiano

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1 Discussions
8 Groups

Article

September 2024 OSS paper round-up

Amanda Matthes

In this instalment: BioSense for environmental sensing, a UV data logger, KRILLSCAN for estimating krill biomass and more!

3 October 2024

Article

Project Spotlight: SnapperGPS

Brianna Johns

SnapperGPS is an open source GNSS receiver for non-real-time wildlife tracking. Learn more about the project below!

1 October 2024

Article

August 2024 OSS paper round-up

Amanda Matthes

In this instalment: HyperCoast for hyperspectral data, Fluxbot 2.0 for soil CO2 flux sensing, BirdVoxDetect for identifying bird calls, snipit for single nucleotide polymorphism visualisation and more!

15 September 2024

Article

Project Spotlight: OpenFlexure Microscope

Brianna Johns

The OpenFlexure Microscope is a low-cost, open source, and customizable microscope used worldwide. Find out more about the project and its benefits to conservation and ecology research in this post!

22 August 2024

Article

Judging Panel Award Winners: 2024 #Tech4Wildlife Photo Challenge

Alex Rood

Join us in celebrating this year’s Judging Panele Award winners!

19 August 2024

Article

Community Choice Award Winners: 2024 #Tech4Wildlife Photo Challenge

Natalie Peoples

Join us in celebrating this year’s Community Choice Award winners!

15 August 2024

Article

Cast your vote in the #Tech4Wildlife Photo Challenge Community Choice Awards!

Natalie Peoples

Vote for your favorite submissions that best demonstrate conservation impact, novel innovation/discovery, and strong storytelling of the work and the sector.

12 August 2024

Article

July 2024 OSS paper round-up

Amanda Matthes

In this instalment: ExMove for handling animal tracking data, HawkEar for spying on animals using cameras on birds, Pytorch-wildlife for species recognition and more!

11 August 2024

Article