In 2011, the International Cartographic Association (ICA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Open-source Geospatial Foundation (OSGeo) with a view to developing global collaboration opportunities for academia, industry and government organisations in the field of open-source GIS software and data. The MoU aims to provide expertise and support for the establishment of Open-source Geospatial Laboratories and Research Centres across the world to support the development of open-source geospatial software technologies, training and expertise.

The five laboratories that will be established in Asia, Europe, Africa, the Americas and Australasia during the first phase will act as nodes for future expansion. The MoU also aims to provide support for building up and supporting the development of open-source GIS teaching and training materials, and the joint organisation of open-source GIS events and workshops through the ICA network in order to encourage wider participation globally.

 
Additional links:
International Cartographic Association www.icaci.org
Open Source Geospatial Foundation www.osgeo.org
MoU between ICA and OSGeo http://www.osgeo.org/node/1230