Foundation/AGM2025/Election to Board/Answers and manifestos/Q07 Software Governance
Software Governance
Please comment generally on the OSMF's role in managing, maintaining, and/or providing governance for the "core" software in the project. Has the Software Dispute Resolution Panel been effective?
Roland Olbricht - Q07 Software Governance
There are multiple definitions of core software. I use as criteria:
- It is custom made for OpenStreetMap
- It is essential to supply the mapping cycle
Hence, PostgreSQL does not qualify: It is essential for the database that stores the OpenStreetMap data but is not custom made. Also, a software like Overpass API does not qualify because it is custom made but only important and not essential for the mapping cycle.
In fact, software most prominently meant here are the iD editor and openstreetmap-website. Whether a rendering stack and which parts of it fall in the category is a matter of dicussion. The Foundation has funded the development of minutely updated vector tiles, and this has been seen as a major improvement. Without funding, that gap has not been filled for many years.
Likewise, the openstreetmap-website has a long backlog of pull requests to screen for inclusion. Our Software Devleopment Facilitator position has been designed in agreement with the maintainers. And the associated work is expected to resolve part of the backlock.
The conflict around the iD editor has come to peace in the meantime. Whether this is due to the preparation of the Software Dispute Resolution Panel or rather to the funding of the development by the Foundation can never been sorted out, and does not matter. The politics issue is solved.
Brazil Singh - Q07 Software Governance
The OSMF plays a great role in managing, maintaining, and providing governance for the "core" software of the project, such as the osm.org website, the API, and components like the Rails port, iD editor, and Nominatim. The concept of the SDRP is valuable. However, its impact has been very limited so far.
Daniela Waltersdorfer - Q07 Software Governance
Md Atikuzzaman Limon - Q07 Software Governance
OSMF’s role in software governance involves supporting the development and maintenance of core tools like iD and JOSM through funding, coordination, and dispute resolution mechanisms. The Software Dispute Resolution Panel, established in 2020, was designed to address disputes, particularly for iD. However, board minutes suggest limited activity and responsiveness, indicating it may not be fully effective. I recommend:
- Reviewing the panel’s processes and effectiveness.
- Engaging the community to reform or replace the panel if needed.
- Ensuring OSMF supports developers without stifling innovation.
A revitalized approach can strengthen software governance and community trust.
OSM Foundation's board election 2025: official questions
Q01 Motivation and Objectives
| Q02 Conflict of Interest Management
| Q03 Transparency and Accountability
| Q04 Teamwork
| Q05 Artificial Intelligence
| Q06 Access to Imagery
| Q07 Software Governance
| Q08 Map Styles on OpenStreetMap.org
| Q09 State of the Map Conferences
| Q10 Intellectual Property
| Q11 OSMF Enthusiasm
All board candidates' manifestos
2025 OpenStreetMap Foundation's: Board election - Voting information and instructions - Annual General Meeting
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