Professional Organizations for GIST & RS

Association of American Geographers (AAG)

American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Semsing (ASPRS)

Founded in 1934, the ASPRS is a scientific association serving more than 7,000 professionals worldwide. Their mission is to promote the ethical application of active and passive sensors, the disciplines of photogrammetry, remote sensing, geographic information systems, and other supporting geospatial technologies; to advance the understanding of the geospatial and related sciences; to expand public awareness of the profession; and to promote a balanced representation of the interests of government, academia, and private enterprise. We are The Imaging and Geospatial Information Society. Student membership: $50 per year.

Cartographic and Geographic Information Society (CaGIS)

CaGIS is composed of educators, researchers and practitioners involved in the design, creation, use and dissemination of geographic information. CaGIS provides an effective network that connects professionals who work in the broad field of Cartography and Geographic Information Science both nationally and internationally.

Canadian Institute of Geomatics (CIG)

CIG is the national, societal home for geomatics professionals, technologists and technicians and is devoted to advancing the development of geomatics in Canada.

Geospatial Information & Technology Association (GITA)

The GITA mission is to facilitate delivery of high quality, ongoing education and engagement opportunities for geospatial professionals in the infrastructure sector. Student membership: $25 per year.

GIS Certification Institute (GISCI)

GISCI provides the GIS community with an internationally-recognized, complete certification program, a GISP® Certification. GISCI offers participants from the first early years on the job until retirement, a positive method of developing value for professionals and employers in the GIS profession. There are currently over 6000 individuals with a GISP® designation located throughout the world.

IEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing Society (IEEE)

Focus is on the theory, concepts, and techniques of science and engineering as they apply to the sensing of the Earth, oceans, atmosphere, and space; as well as the processing, interpretation, and dissemination of such information. The society sponsors various conferences throughout the year, most notably the annual International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium. If you wish to purchase additional copies of publications included in your membership, please contact the IEEE Support Center. Student membership $10 per year.

National Society of Professional Surveyors

North American Cartographic Information Society (NACIS)

NACIS is a society of map enthusiasts. We have yearly meetings, an online discussion forum, and we work on a variety of projects and publications which promote map making. NACIS was founded in 1980 and is comprised of specialists from private, academic, and government organizations along with people whose common interest lies in facilitating communication in the map information community. Student membership: $20 per year.

Society for Conservation GIS (CGIS)

The Association for Geographic Information

Urban Regional Information Systems Association (URISA)

URISA is a non-profit association of professionals using information technology to solve problems in planning, public works, the environment, emergency services, utilities and throughout state and local governments. URISA has a heavy GIS emphasis. Student membership: $15 per year