Who We Are

The NYS GIS Association represents the interests of the entire geospatial community within New York and is the premier statewide professional organization for GIS and related industries. The Association is uniquely positioned to advocate in the state and nationally on issues of importance to the GIS industry (e.g., legislation and funding), reach out to sister organizations in other professions in building strong collaborations, and provide a statewide forum for advancing our profession through shared experiences, learning and training.

Our website has a wealth of information about upcoming events. There’s news, and links about how to keep connected via Facebook, Twitter, RSS feed, and LinkedIn, Instagram, etc.  Your membership fee will help to support the Association’s many important activities including sponsorship of the New York State GIS Conference and Geospatial Summit, scholarships, training, certification and awards.   If you have any questions that you can’t find answered on the website please contact us using the contact link in the footer at the bottom of the page.

There are many opportunities available through the Association and the numerous regional GIS user groups to help you connect with others and learn more about the technology.  Please consider participating in one or more of our committees.  Your voice and perspective are important to the growth of this organization.

As A Member

You join with hundreds of other GIS professionals across New York State and beyond, who are working to advance the GIS profession and their careers. The NYS GIS Association provides career support though job listings, and networking through regional and state meetings; continuing education credits through membership, committee participation, free educational opportunities, presentation opportunities, webinars, our YouTube channel, technical workshops, and conferences. We present a one premier event each year, alternating between the GeoCon and the Geospatial Summit. As a member you join hundreds of individuals who share your interest and passion for GIS.

History

In May of 2003 a small group of GIS professionals led by Sam Wear of Westchester County GIS and Larry Alber of NYS Department of Environmental Conservation met in Albany to discuss the need for creating a statewide professional organization dedicated to the GIS profession. The idea of creating an organization that was both government and industry neutral was supported by those at the meeting and a series of organizational meetings followed over the next six months.

The first major step taken by the group was to launch a survey. The survey included questions on whether GIS professionals thought a new GIS organization was necessary and the degree to which they would support it. Over 400 respondents to the survey overwhelmingly supported a statewide organization and identified continuing education and professional development as important agenda items to be taken up by a new organization. In addition to the survey, Sam Wear communicated the idea of creating a new GIS organization at various forums including a session at the 2003 NYS GIS Conference.

In November of 2003 the group took more formal steps toward organizing. The group adopted a Steering Committee to help guide the development of the group over the next two years. NYS GIS/LIS Association was selected as the official name of the organization and a Mission Statement was adopted. The group agreed to develop as a GIS organization which would be both government and industry neutral and the Association’s main focus would be professional development and continuing education.

In 2006 we formalized as the NYS GIS Association and are officially a New York State Section 402 Not-For-Profit Corporation. We have an active agenda to provide professional development opportunities throughout the year with webinars and a major conference event. We encourage your participation in continuing the positive impact the NYS GIS Association has on GIS professionals.