[georss] was kml reference placemarks - now KML into OGC

[Gregor J. Rothfuss]

Carl Reed OGC Account wrote:
> Mike et. al.
> 
> A bit on the submission by Google of KML into the OGC process.

exciting news :)

> c.. That a new OGC public discussion list
> (.dev) will be started for KML to allow coordination and engagement
> with the KML developer community. 

this is very encouraging to see the OGC start to open up its process. 
although if decisions continue to be made elsewhere, that is only a 
half-step.

> f.. There needs to be a position paper that
> clearly defines the problem domain that GML solves and the problem
> domain that KML solves. I am currently in the process of putting the
> KML reference guide into the OGC document format (including
> maintaining all links). This document will be posted to the OGC
> pending documents archive for discussion at the April meetings
> sometime next week.

this will be a FAQ, i am sure. will this document be available to the 
general public?

> Borrowing from Ron Lake and from discussions with GE staff, we think
> KML and GML are targeted at solving different problems.  This has
> nothing to do with complexity vs simplicity - but rather just
> different objectives and requirements.  KML is fundamentally focused
> on Geographic Visualization - meaning visualization of places on the
> earth - and annotating or describing places.  It is not intended to
> model geographic objects.  KML could even contain additional GML
> elements.  KML, because it is connected to the description of place
> is also (KML Search) a means of providing spatial indexing - and this
> is being done through the Google robot.

a related question is how GeoRSS factors into all this. maybe the answer 
is to bring some KML elements (optionally?) into GeoRSS, and vice versa.

> If anyone on this list has any
> thoughts, suggestions, or concerns regarding the Google submission of
> KML into the OGC process, please let me know.

i very much hope this whole process can be done in the IETF style (and 
the georss list style): discussion AND decision on the public mailing list.

also: i tried to sign up to that list, but it seems to require a 
moderator to approve my subscription. i think that is wrong.