Part of URISA's mandate is to protect, promote and grow the GIS profession. That includes monitoring and reacting to any possible negative impacts to our members' livelihood and the GIS community in general. This year we have seen an increasing number of such issues.
The other week, there was an explosion of discussion and concern over Geospatial Data Act of 2017 (S.1253) which was co-sponsored by Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Dean Heller (R-NV) and Mark Warner (D-VA). The concern is over some of the wording which would appear to define much of the work we do in GIS as to require a professional license. URISA's Policy Advisory Committee has been actively debating and developed a position statement which the Board just approved. Take some time to read through the full text of the bill along with the URISA Board's position.
There will certainly be more discussion on this issue. URISA is monitoring it very closely. If issues like this concern you, I encourage you to join URISA if you are not already a member. There is power in numbers. Stay engaged! Click here to join.
Tripp Corbin, CFM, GISP
President
URISA