From Code to Collaboration: Making Open Source a Strategic Choice for Organisations
Open source is no longer just a developer’s playground, it is a strategic asset for organisations building the next generation of digital services.
Today, almost every modern system — whether proprietary or open — relies on some form of open-source software. Yet true adoption at scale is about more than using open libraries. It requires organisational trust, internal capability, and cultural alignment.
At Locate Conference 2025, we explored how organisations can move beyond basic adoption to create real, sustainable value with open-source technologies. If you missed it, here’s a recap:
Key shifts in open-source adoption:
1. Adoption requires more than access — it requires structure and trust
Open source is everywhere, but enterprise adoption demands more than technical integration. It needs clear frameworks for security, governance, and support to build lasting trust within organisations.
2. The real challenge is cultural, not technical
While open source technologies are mature, organisations often face cultural hurdles; from risk perception to internal silos. Successful adoption depends on frameworks, processes, and mindsets that embrace transparency, collaboration, and shared responsibility.
3. Successful implementation takes a holistic view
Open-source adoption should connect with an organisation’s entire digital ecosystem, not exist in a silo. It must consider data workflows, legacy systems, cloud infrastructure, and future needs. Building "technology fitness" internally — through skills, mindset, and governance — is key to sustainable success.
4. Community is critical to resilience
Open-source success is not just about code. It is about healthy, sustainable communities. Organisations need to engage with open-source ecosystems, contribute to what they rely on, and support security, maintenance, and sustainability efforts.
5. Open source is about solving real problems, not loyalty to libraries
Choosing open source is not about ideology. It is about practical problem solving: building flexible, resilient systems that meet real-world needs while creating adaptable ecosystems for the future.
Ana Belgun, Co-founder and CEo of Terria, demonstrating the Terria platform and presenting "From Code to Collaboration: Making Open Source a Strategic Choice for Organisations” at Locate25, Australia's premier geospatial conference. Locate brings together over 1,000 professionals across surveying, GIS, earth observation, and allied industries to explore the latest trends, technologies, and innovations in geospatial science.
“Open source is a collective endeavour and one that is strongest when everyone contributes.”
How to approach open-source adoption:
Start with the use case: Identify the real problem you need to solve.
Build internal capability: Strengthen your technology fitness to make confident, informed decisions.
Create a clear adoption framework: Establish internal processes, governance models, and support pathways.
Engage with the community: Understand, contribute, and support the sustainability of the tools you depend on.
Invest in support models: Recognise that open source requires investment in skills, sponsorships, and maintenance, just like proprietary systems.
What’s Next?
At Terria, we believe the future of digital technology should be open, human-centred, and accessible to all.
If you share that vision, there are a few ways you can get involved:
👉 Explore TerriaJS: Discover how our open-source platform is helping organisations turn complex spatial data into clear, actionable insights. Explore TerriaJS
👉 Join our Developer Community: Connect with other developers, contribute to open-source projects, and help shape the future of spatial technology. Visit our GitHub
👉 Become a Beta Tester: Be among the first to test and shape our next-generation products and features. Sign up to become a Beta Tester
A Big Thank You
To everyone who joined the presentation at Locate25 in Brisbane, we thank you!
About Terria
Terria makes it easy to build advanced maps and digital twins, so you can see the bigger picture. Our digital maps and spatial digital twin technology make it easy for you to unlock the full potential of your data, enabling faster, smarter decision-making. We help you transform complex data into clear, actionable insights, so you can tackle real-world challenges with confidence and precision.
At Terria, we believe that data transparency has the power to transform how businesses operate, make decisions, and engage with stakeholders—ultimately leading to better outcomes for all. Find out more here https://terria.io/about
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