Open Source Philosophy
p2d2 is Open Source by conviction. This decision is based on technical, societal, and ethical considerations.
Why Open Source?
Transparency
Code is law: In an increasingly digitized administration, it must be traceable how decisions are made. Open source code enables this traceability.
Security
Many eyes: Security vulnerabilities are found and fixed faster through public review than in proprietary systems.
Independence
Avoid vendor lock-in: Administrations remain independent of individual providers and can adapt the software to their own needs.
Sustainability
Longevity: Open source software can continue to be developed even when the original development team is no longer active.
License Model
Code: GPLv3
The software is licensed under the GNU General Public License v3.0:
- Copyleft: Derivatives must also be GPL
- Freedom: Use, understand, distribute, improve
- No vendor lock-in: No dependency on individual providers
Data: ODbL
The data collected through p2d2 is licensed under the Open Database License:
- Share-alike: Derivatives must also be open
- Attribution: Source attribution required
- Compatible: Compatible with OpenStreetMap license
Community Values
Respect
We treat all community members with respect, regardless of origin, experience, or opinion.
Collaboration
Together we achieve more than alone. We share knowledge, help each other, and work constructively together.
Quality
We strive for high code and data quality, but know that perfection is a process.
Openness
We communicate transparently, make decisions publicly, and invite participation.
Overcoming Boundaries
Technical Boundaries
Open Source enables adopting and adapting proven solutions instead of reinventing the wheel.
Geographic Boundaries
A municipality in Germany can benefit from the experiences of a city in France - the software is the same.
Cultural Boundaries
Verifiability creates trust: When code is open, people from different cultural backgrounds can also understand that no hidden intentions or biases are embedded in the system.
Language Boundaries
Open Source enables community-driven translations that capture nuances better than commercial translation services.
Cultural Connections
Common Standards
OGC standards and INSPIRE create a common language across borders.
Knowledge Exchange
Developers from different countries learn from each other, creating cultural exchange.
Shared Values
OpenStreetMap, WikiData, and p2d2 share the conviction that knowledge and data belong to the public.
Combating Disinformation
Verifiability
Open code and open data can be verified by anyone. Misinformation has a harder time spreading.
Versioning
All changes are traceable. Who changed what, when, and why?
Community Review
The four-eyes principle and community QC ensure that data is correct.
Source Attribution
Every change must be documented with a source. This creates traceability.
Governance
Transparent Decisions
Larger decisions are discussed and documented in public issues.
Meritocracy with Boundaries
Contributions count, but everyone has a voice - not just the most active developers.
Code of Conduct
We follow the Contributor Covenant.
Get Involved
For Developers
- Contribute code: Issues, Pull Requests
- Documentation: Improve README, wikis
- Testing: Find and report bugs
For Non-Developers
- Collect data: Edit features in p2d2
- Quality assurance: Perform QC
- Feedback: Suggest usability improvements
- Translate: Enable multilingualism
Every Contribution Counts
Whether code, data, documentation, or feedback - every contribution makes p2d2 better!