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Promotes professional studies in geography and encourages the application of geographic research in education, government, and business.
www.aag.org
Advances knowledge and improves understanding of mapping sciences in order to promote applications of photogrammetry, remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS), and supporting technologies.
www.asprs.org
Chapter of the Urban and Regional Information Systems Association providing a forum for automated mapping, geographic information systems (GIS) and related topics.
www.baama.org
Provides education and information exchange on the use and benefits of geospatial information and technology in telecommunications, infrastructure and utility applications.
www.gita.org
Research consortium dedicated to basic research and education in geographic information science and its related technologies, including geographic information systems (GIS).
www.ncgia.org
Promotes the development of technology standards and business process innovations that support widespread adoption and use of georeferenced data and services.
www.opengis.org
Organization of universities and other research institutions dedicated to advancing the understanding of geographic processes and spatial relationships through improved theory, methods, technology, and data.
www.ucgis.org
Promotes the interests of professionals using spatial information technology in planning, public works, the environment, emergency services, utilities and throughout state and local governments.
www.urisa.org
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GIS organizations offer a slew of opportunities for positive exposure for your business. In addition to GIS industry members of GIS research organizations, you will have opportunities to be recognized by other professional GIS organization members, including businesses and government organizations that support the organizations that use GIS.
Affiliation with professional GIS organizations provides lobbying and networking opportunities that can be immensely helpful to your own business interests while you support the industry. Membership in GIS organizations often means access to information and contacts that can be important to your own company. Regional GIS enterprise organizations offer even more chances to network with local business leaders in your community. Use your membership in GIS research organizations in a number of different ways.
1. Expand your network through professional GIS organizations
2. Support the industry by participating in organizations that use GIS
3. Stay informed with GIS research organization publications
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Develop business contacts in professional GIS associations
GIS organizations hold regular meetings, seminars and conventions for members and interested parties. At these GIS research organization events, as well as though various committees in which you could participate, you will have numerous occasions to socialize and network with other business people who support the GIS organization. The business leaders you meet could offer a number of trade opportunities for you and your company.
I recommend: The GeoData Alliance is open to individual and commercial members interested in the sharing of data about geographic information. The International Center for Tropical Agriculture is an environmental GIS organization.
Show your interest by joining organizations that use GIS
If you want to do business with the GIS industry, you will want to express your support as well as meet national and local leaders in the industry. You often can do this best by participating in GIS associations with both your presence and your financial support.
I recommend: Since 1980, the North American Cartographic Information Society has been bringing together private, academic and government leaders to unify mapping processes. The Urban and Regional Information Systems Association offers many networking and participation opportunities for you.
Keep your company in the loop with GIS enterprise organizations
While you may not have time to participate in a trade group or volunteer on a committee, you can take advantage of membership in GIS research organizations through the myriad publications they put out. By keeping up with the reports and news in the industry, you can pick and choose which events will be most beneficial for you to attend while keeping updated on changes or news that affect professional GIS organizations industry-wide.
I recommend: The Association of American Geographers is scientific and educational group of interested parties who provide extensive resources to keep up with the industry as well as events in which you can participate. The Geospatial Information and Technology Association has a number of local chapters for networking in addition to research and information resources.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- • Send your top management team and salespeople to various organizations that use GIS so that your company is well represented at every possible venue.
