This week, Mostar is hosting the European edition of FOSS4G Europe 2025, the most significant European conference dedicated to free and open-source software for geospatial data. The event gathers nearly 400 participants from 35 countries, with the University of Mostar playing an active role in its organization.
FOSS4G (Free and Open Source Software for Geospatial) is the world’s leading gathering of experts, developers, researchers, and decision-makers who use and develop free and open-source software for spatial data. This is the first time the conference is being held in Bosnia and Herzegovina, offering the local community direct access to top-level knowledge, global experts, and valuable networking opportunities.
Marko Puljić, Chair of the Organizing Committee, emphasized that this is the largest global event in the field of open-source geospatial technologies.
The FOSS4G conference has been held for two decades, annually in two editions – one global and one European – along with several smaller regional gatherings. This year, Mostar is the host of the European edition, with the latest data confirming the participation of nearly 400 attendees from 35 countries. A total of 146 lectures will be delivered by 138 speakers, Puljić noted.
He added that on Monday and Tuesday, 33 four-hour workshops will take place, where presenters will showcase the latest advancements in specialized software solutions.
The focus is on GIS software – technology that has been evolving for over 50 to 60 years and is now widely used across various industries. Although often associated with surveyors and geoportals, GIS systems go far beyond that scope. They are used for forest management, hospital patient tracking, urban green space maintenance, and smart parking systems that allow real-time tracking of available parking spaces. Virtually no sector remains untouched by this technology, Puljić highlighted.
He also noted that the demand for GIS professionals and software is increasing in the financial sector, with banks in Switzerland already utilizing GIS for strategic planning of branch and ATM locations.
Puljić concluded that the goal of the event is to bring together a community of professionals from diverse industries who gather each year to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and stay updated on the latest trends in the field.
Throughout the week, Mostar will be a hub for high-level lectures, hands-on workshops, and collaborative projects. Organizers underline that the conference is open to everyone – professionals, students, and enthusiasts eager for knowledge and new experiences.
