Making a living on OSM by nurturing the commons : inside the French Federation of OSM professionals

Room: Talks IV/Workshops II/BoF III - Amphi Picard or Navier (Carnot)

Saturday, 12:25
Duration: 20 minutes (plus Q&A)

Language: en

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  • Marina Petkova

The Fédération des pros d’OpenStreetMap (FPOSM) is the French non‑profit organization that unites companies and professionals whose services and tools are built on OpenStreetMap, and who are committed to keeping OpenStreetMap a healthy digital commons.

Launched during State-of-the-Map France 2023, the FPOSM now gathers 28 French companies with expertise in creating, using, enhancing and ensuring the quality of OSM data on topics such as : mobility, routing and accessibility, infrastructures and power grids, urban planning, food and agriculture, tourism, local business, community outreach and more. Members also develop and maintain software around OpenStreetMap, such as Clearance, Podoma, LeBonTag, GridInspector.

The FPOSM is the worldwide most advanced structured federation of OSM professionals directly coming from and complementary to the volunteer community and local chapters.

We will share how and why FPOSM was created, and how we are committed to preserve OpenStreetMap’s ethos and guidelines.

We will also talk about the FPOSM’s collective work:

  • OSM advocacy towards public authorities
  • The practical booklet « Everything you need to know about the ODbL licence, available in French and English.
  • The guide « OpenStreetMap and Territories », which brings together a wide range of testimonials from French public sector stakeholders who have used OSM across their territories.
  • The organization of events like « OpenStreetMap & territoires » that connect professionals and public actors.

We’ll wrap up with what we’ve learned, what challenges we are facing, and some ideas for starting similar groups elsewhere, so professional ecosystems grow alongside and actively support local OSM communities.

What we will talk about ?

  • The French context, why we created the FPOSM and how it sits alongside OpenStreetMap France’s local chapter and the wider volunteer community.
  • Our code of Ethics and how we decide who can join, in regards to the respect of the ODbL and the broader OSM community guidelines.
  • How we talk about OSM with public bodies and clients without hiding the commons behind proprietary language.
  • What our members do in terms of projects and tools, and what they bring to local communities.

Who is this for ?

  • Anyone interested in new ways of organising the professional side of the OSM ecosystem.
  • Local chapters, grassroots groups, co‑ops, freelancers and companies who are interested in how to organise OSM professionals in a way that stays friendly to the community.
  • Public sector staff who work or would like to work with OSM and / or OSM consultants, and who want to understand what to ask for and what OSM can provide.

What we hope you will take away ?

We hope that people who join us during this session will leave with:

  • An understanding how a federation of OSM professionals works in practice.
  • Ideas for what to include in an code of Ethics and what to look for in new applicants.
  • Resources and event formats that you can try to strengthen the outreach to the private and public sectors.
  • Where to start if you want to start a similar federation in your own country.