The committee has worked hard to arrive at a definition of a product versus a professional service in regards to the mapping profession.  The linked table which outlines the definition is simple, yet addresses the main discriminators that should be considered. Our committee feels strongly that such a definition is required as MAPPS continues to work towards supporting and strengthening one of the founding principles of MAPPS – QBS. By adopting a definition for a professional service, MAPPS will be seen to be applying a fair and balanced standard as to when government procurements should be performed under QBS. In our view, this will strengthen the MAPPS position in favor of QBS by allowing us to ensure that procurement regulations are followed for those procurements that truly do involve professional services.

This issue also has implications for the growing issue of professional licensing by individual states. MAPPS is already working to address the issue of commity provisions to allow licensed individuals to obtain licenses in other states. The concept of a national license is also being discussed. However, another issue is whether professional licensing should apply only to the provision of mapping services or if it should also apply to mapping products.

We encourage all MAPPS members to review this document and send us your comments at any time.


LANDSAT
The Remote Sensing and Data Licensing committee has been concerned regarding the state of the nation’s Landsat remote sensing program. As a result, we have been working closely with ASPRS to advocate with the government a change in policy in favor of a new free flying mission. Such a mission will help mitigate against a likely gap in data given the current status of the Landsat 5 and Landsat 7 systems. Recently, we received word that the efforts of MAPPS, ASPRS and others have been well received and a free flying Landsat mission is now back under serious consideration. Should this mission materialize, it will provide tremendous benefits to the commercial and government remote sensing communities for many years to come.


CHAIRMAN: Michael Bullock (Intermap) email