TerraGo Blog

Why our industry needs GITA

Have you read the Geospatial Information & Technology Association (GITA) organizational statement lately? Here it is, direct from the www.gita.org home page:

The Geospatial Information & Technology Association (GITA) is the professional association and leading advocate for anyone using geospatial technology to help operate, maintain, and protect the infrastructure, which includes organizations such as utilities, telecommunication companies, and the public sector. Through industry-leading conferences—along with research initiatives, chapters, membership, and other programs—GITA provides education and professional best practices.

Late last year I was pleased to accept an at-large seat on the GITA Board of Directors for 2011. On the board, I’m surrounded by industry and academic leaders who play a major role in shaping how the organization advances the use of geospatial technologies for operating, maintaining and protecting the infrastructure.

GITA defines “the infrastructure” as “all fundamental services, activities, and operations that sustain our communities and way of life—from keeping the lights on to creating safe drinking water to responding to an emergency.” This is a very worthy endeavor.

During the plenary session at the GITA Geospatial Solutions Conference last week in Dallas, executive director Bob Samborski mused about the early days of the GITA annual conference as well as some conference and industry milestones throughout the years. Attendance at the conference was low, reflecting the realities of the current economy and slashed travel budgets for those who would benefit most from this event.

While GITA did announce that 2011 would be the final year of its annual Geospatial Solutions Conference, the association has strong plans to grow and progress regionally, as well as continue with its annual GIS for Oil and Gas Conference. If you are a part of the growing number of geospatial professionals involved in cultivating our nation’s infrastructure, I encourage you to take a look at GITA and the valuable contribution membership can make to your organization.

Richard McKay
Sr. VP, Sales & Business Development