Before the event
What are the aims of the geohack?
- Bring together people from across the world to work on interesting challenges.
- Help you find sources of Open Data – e.g. Met Office DataPoint, Ordnance Survey Open Data and other sources suggested by partner organisations who are supporting the geohack challenges.
- Give attendees some of the tools and support that they need to tackle the challenges, including a free copy of OSGeo Live 7.0 on DVD.
What’s being offered?
A free event with food provided and support from experts to work on the problems that you are interested in. Network with people from a wide range of fields to find innovate solutions to the set of GeoHack challenges.
Who should attend the event?
The geohack is aimed at (but not limited to):
- Software hackers
- Hardware hackers
- Graphic designers
- Innovative thinkers
- Story tellers
- Translators
- ???
(not necessarily in that order!)
Do I have to attend both days?
No, hackathons are very flexible and we expect that a number of people may wish to experience the event without committing to both days. Just let us know which days you are attending when we ask you to confirm your place after registering.
Is the event restricted to software hackers?
If you like writing code then it’s true that this is the event for you! But the most successful hackathons have a very diverse range of people, from experienced programmers to people who have no interest in writing code but have a passion for developing solutions. Previous hackathons led by the same hosts have had a very diverse range of people – some teams have worked with plasticine, lego and 3D printing
What are possible outcomes of the event?
Challenges are now online on the challenges page – these are expected to guide the majority of projects, but the results of the event will depend on the unique mix of people who attend. Common solutions include web and mobile apps, plugins, graphics and art, hardware solutions, sensors etc.
How can I register and stay up-to-date with the latest news?
See registration
Can I submit a challenge?
Generally there needs to be a specific problem that can reasonably addressed over two days; the necessary requirements such as appropriate data need to be available, and a person needs to be on site to introduce and support the challenge. See the Geohack challenges template or email challenges [at] geohack.org for more information.
Who is sponsoring the hackathon?
The hackathon is sponsored and led by the UK Met Office with other groups also actively involved. The Met Office has held a series of successful hackathons around the country and they also offer additional open source software and open data into the mix.
Booking your place
How do I register?
Follow the ‘>>Register Interest‘ link to submit your details. We’ll send you an email to confirm your place.
How do I get to the event?
East Midlands conference centre (EMCC) is situated on the University of Nottingham Park site. Directions (by bus, train or taxi) can be found at on the >>Directions page. The venue is approximately 15 minute from Nottingham’s central train and bus stations. For those travelling by car, car parking is free for delegates within the EMCC barrier. To park outside of this area you need a validated car park ticket, which can be arranged at the main EMCC reception desk.
Will food be provided?
Catering will be provided at specific points throughout the event and will be free to registered deligates, see the >>GeoHack timetable for details.
Is accommodation available?
Accommodation is not included in your free registration, however there are hotel rooms, some student rooms and other accommodation options available locally, see the >>accommodation page for details.
What should I bring?
It is intended that those taking part in the GeoHack bring their own laptops and other suitable equipment. Wi-Fi will be available on site as well as a numerous plug sockets and extension leads.
During the event
How do I choose a challenge?
You can choose any challenge that captures your imagination and uses your skills. You can work on any of the offered projects or create your own if you need to.
How do I find a team?
When you arrive at your event, there will be a number of focused challenges, and teams will be created from participants interested in working on particular projects.
How will I submit a solution?
Registered participants will be able to submit their projects online for judging on 18th September. Hackathon solutions must be made freely available to the global community as open source and solutions will be shared via www.github.com/geohack.
