libgdal-dev is now installable in debian. It is time to upload new GIS tools into the archive. I've done mapserver, and am willing to sponsor other packages as well. Please approach me on #geo (irc.oftc.net) if you want sponsoring. Looking at the bug list, I believe grass and postgis need some serious time spent on them. If we are quick, we should be able to get most of the GIS tools working in debian/unstable within the week. :)