This is a proposal for doing a presentation that I submitted for the FOSS4G 2007 conference. It gives a brief glimpse of some of the ideas that will drive this website and its community.

Forging future generations of geo-architects

In an age of increasing demand for qualified geo-professionals, we introduce a framework for the development of an apprenticeship programme to help raise and support new Masters of the geospatial arts. We call it the Map Guild.

Training is based not only on software skills, but also theory, directed studies, relationship building and mentorship with others in the Guild. The aim is to raise up, build, support and train Masters of geospatial architectures in areas such as: open source software, data handling, geographic principles, data quality and more - the many things a student or novice needs to learn to survive.

The Map Guild concept is an apprenticeship and mentoring programme for pupils of all walks of life and circumstances. New pupils apply to be mentored and monitored, at their own pace, with the end goal of building skills and relationships with others in the Guild.

While other certification programmes focus primarily on academic and employment credits, the Guild focuses on building relationships, a support system and portfolio of experience over time, somewhat like the artisan guilds of old.

The target audiences are two-fold: seasoned veterans/masters of the geospatial arts and new students who want someone to help them grow, learn and prove themselves in a fast-moving field.

What would make a successful mentorship programme for geography, cartography and it's digital application? Why is this model needed to support the open source community in years to come? These and more topics will be discussed.