_Planning page for 2012 Google Summer of Code_

Mentor apps applications process opens: Feb 27
Mentor apps due: March 9

* FAQ: http://www.google-melange.com/gsoc/document/show/gsoc_program/google/gsoc2012/faqs#mentoring_apply
* Example project ideas list: http://community.kde.org/GSoC/2011/Ideas
* Timeline: http://www.google-melange.com/gsoc/events/google/gsoc2012

###Project ideas:###

* Clashifier open source image classification (goal: identify wetlands species and/or oil contamination) - http://github.com/jywarren/clashifier
* Spectral Workbench open source spectral analysis (goal: spectrum pattern matching to identify oil contamination) - http://github.com/jywarren/spectral-workbench
* MapKnitter open source image rectification and GIS (goal: spectrum pattern matching to identify oil contamination) - http://github.com/jywarren/mapknitter
* open source live NDVI/NRG infrared vegetation analysis from an Android phone (based on code in https://github.com/jywarren/infrared-visible-video-kit)

###Mentor app info###

* Describe your organization.

The Public Laboratory for Open Technology and Science (PLOTS) is a community which develops and applies open-source tools to environmental exploration and investigation. By democratizing inexpensive and accessible “Do-It-Yourself” techniques, Public Laboratory creates a collaborative network of practitioners who actively re-imagine the human relationship with the environment.

The core PLOTS program is focused on “civic science” in which we research open source hardware and software tools and methods to generate knowledge and share data about community environmental health. Our goal is to increase the ability of underserved communities to identify, redress, remediate, and create awareness and accountability around environmental concerns. PLOTS achieves this by providing online and offline training, education and support, and by focusing on locally-relevant outcomes that emphasize human capacity and understanding.

* Why is your organization applying to participate in Google Summer of Code 2012? What do you hope to gain by participating?

We have several active and new open source software projects and an active community, and GSOC would be a great way to bring some of these tools to maturity. 

* Did your organization participate in past Google Summer of Codes? If so, please summarize your involvement and the successes and challenges of your participation.
* If your organization has not previously participated in Google Summer of Code, have you applied in the past? If so, for what year(s)?
* What Open Source Initiative approved license(s) does your project use?
* What is the URL for your Ideas page?
* What is the main development mailing list for your organization?
* What is the main IRC channel for your organization?
* Does your organization have an application template you would like to see students use? If so, please provide it now.
* Who will be your backup organization administrator?
* What criteria did you use to select your mentors for this year's program? Please be as specific as possible.
* What is your plan for dealing with disappearing students?
* What is your plan for dealing with disappearing mentors?
* What steps will you take to encourage students to interact with your project's community before, during and after the program?
* Are you a new organization who has a Googler or other organization to vouch for you? If so, please list their name(s) here.
* Are you an established or larger organization who would like to vouch for a new organization applying this year? If so, please list their name(s) here.