A GSIP - GeoServer Improvement Proposal is the formal mechanism used to perform any sort of major change in the GeoServer project

How do I make a GSIP?

To create a GSIP you must:

1. make a new page under GEOS:Proposals Under Discussion
   1. It should be named GSIP X - YYYYY, where X is the number that follows the last one made, and YYYY is a title of the proposal.
   2. You should create this page from the 'proposal' template:
      • When you create a new page there is the option to create from template
      • Fill out the appropriate information.
        (Not all fields need to be filled in, but enough should be filled in to answer the majority of initial questions)
2. An email should be sent to the dev and user list seeking comments:

   to: [email protected]
   to: [email protected]
   subject: GSIP#43 Geoserver Pegion Protocol
   
   Okay, I've put together a 'GeoServer Pegion Protocol' to support the use of carrier birds in low bandwidth
   situtations like new york. I would like a generic winged delivery map (WDM) support but need to stick with
   the local wildlife for this initial proposal. This proposal will involve the creation of a new community
   module and some changes to "core" (or so Justin tells me).
   
   The proposal is available here:
   - http://docs.codehaus.org/display/GEOSDEV/GSIP+43+WDM+Pedgion+Prototype
   
   For further information please reach me via seagull,
   A Fowl 
   

3. As comments are made they should be collected with the proposal:
   • Comments can be made on the mail list and on the wiki itself.
   • Comments on the mail list should be linked to from the wiki.

     h4. Links
     
     *Email discussion:*
     http://www.nabble.com/Features-Flying-tf1674552.html#a4539674
     
     *Other wiki discussions:*
     [GEOSDEV:WDM Research] history
     

If comments change the proposal at all, it should be reworked in to a form to be voted on. Once in final form, a vote by the PSC shall take place. This is ideally done on IRC, but can also take place over email. See the PSC procedure page for the voting process.

FAQ

Q: When do I make a GSIP?

A: Generally you will make a GSIP when you want something major done in GeoServer and need feedback from others. GSIPs are needed for things that will have an impact on other community members, and thus should be talked about.

A GSIP is not needed to start work on GeoServer, indeed one can easily get a branch or a community svn area to experiment. When still kicking around ideas and gathering momentum potential proposers are encouraged to use the GEOS:RnD space in an informal manner. Once the idea is formalized it can be turned in to a more offical proposal. There is no requirement to put things in to the RnD section, it's just there as a resource.

GSIP's should also have appropriate momentum behind them, people who will see it through to the end, not just something that is desired. There's no reason for the PSC to vote on something that no one is excited enough to actually implement.

Q: Who can comment on a GSIP?

A: Anyone can comment on a GSIP, and indeed is encouraged to. This may take place on email lists, or as comments on the wiki that the GSIP itself is posted. Feedback from the user community is definitely desired, so that the developers are not just making decisions in a vacuum. If you speak up your voice will be heard.

Q: Who can vote on a GSIP?

A: Only PSC members can vote on a GSIP. But all users and developers are strongly encouraged to give feedback.

Q: What happens if after I propose a GSIP I don't have the time to implement

A: If a proposal is made but is not completed, then it will be taken from a release schedule and live as an uncompleted proposal. We encourage you to recruit people to help finish it off. If no one is found it can live in limbo possibly awaiting someone to take it over.

Q: If I am a PSC member and I make a GSIP, do I still vote on it?

A: Yes.