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MAPPS President Testifies Before Congress on Hydrographic Services Improvement Act Reauthorization

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 16:40:13 GMT

In testimony before the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans and Insular Affairs, of the House Committee on Natural Resources, MAPPS President Dick McDonald, CP, PLS (T3 Global Strategies, Bridgeville, PA), commended Congress on its leadership in creating the hydrographic survey contracting program in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency (NOAA), through the Hydrographic Services Improvement (HSIA) Act of 1998, but said that it needs to go further to benefit taxpayers and reduce duplication between NOAA and the private sector.

McDonald was testifying on the Hydrographic Services Improvement Amendments Act of 2013, H.R. 1399, a reauthorization of the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998.

In 1998 there was a "survey backlog" of 43,000 square nautical miles (SNM) of critical areas along the nation's coastline that needed to be collected. The hydrographic survey program in NOAA, through the original HSIA Act, and its subsequent amendments and reauthorization has successfully and significantly reduced the backlog. To date, surveys of more than 28,000 SNM have been completed.

"It is because of the leadership of Congress, and this Subcommittee in particular, that NOAA has begun to transform itself from being a source of competition with the private geospatial community to a partner that utilizes the services and capabilities available from numerous qualified private firms," said McDonald.

In his testimony, McDonald recommended the coastal geospatial services contract program carried out by NOAA's Coastal Services Center in Charleston, SC as a model for the rest of the agency.

"In this program, roles and responsibilities are clearly defined. NOAA, as a data partner for Federal, State and local government, creates the demand for geospatial data. The private sector provides the supply of geospatial data," said McDonald.

Numerous reports issued by the Commerce Department Inspector General and independent government studies have concluded that NOAA should contract for mapping activities and decommission its hydrographic fleet "because its operation is so much more expensive than the private sector". The Hydrographic Services Review Panel (HSRP), an advisory board established by the Secretary of Commerce, has recommended that NOAA conduct a thorough cost-comparison of government and contractor hydrographic surveys.

In written testimony, MAPPS applauded NOAA's valuable work in the establishment of professional and technical standards, research and development.

"For too long, NOAA and other Federal agencies have unwisely spent taxpayers' dollars by attempting to perform commercially available hydrographic and other geospatial activities. We urge the subcommittee to use the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act to change this paradigm," said McDonald. "This is not a recommendation that comes solely from MAPPS, but it is one that has been advocated by virtually every study conducted on NOAA's programs."

MAPPS urged the Subcommittee to add H.R. 1382, the "Digital Coast Act of 2013", a bipartisan bill introduced by Rep. Don Young (R-AK) and Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD) which would develop a coordinated and comprehensive national mapping effort for coastal, State and territorial waters of the United States, as an amendment to H.R. 1399.

About MAPPS

Formed in 1982, MAPPS is the only national association exclusively comprised of private firms in the remote sensing, spatial data and geographic information systems field in the United States. The MAPPS membership spans the entire spectrum of the geospatial community, including Member Firms engaged in satellite and airborne remote sensing, surveying, photogrammetry, aerial photography, LIDAR, hydrography, bathymetry, charting, aerial and satellite image processing, GPS, and GIS data collection and conversion services. MAPPS also includes Associate Member Firms, which are companies that provide hardware, software, products and services to the geospatial profession in the United States and other firms from around the world. Independent Consultant Members are sole proprietors engaged in consulting in or to the geospatial profession, or provides a consulting service of interest to the geospatial profession.

MAPPS provides its member firms opportunities for networking and developing business-to-business relationships, information sharing, education, public policy advocacy, market growth, and professional development and image enhancement.

For more information on MAPPS, please visit www.mapps.org.

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Cutting Edge Program to Be Presented at MAPPS Summer Conference July 22-26 in Maine

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 12:28:19 GMT

MAPPS (www.mapps.org), the association for private sector geospatial firms, today announced the program for the 2013 Summer Conference to be held July 22-26 at the Samoset Resort in Rockport, ME.

The conference will focus on business, management, marketing, technical, policy, and workforce issues relevant to the geospatial market. The agenda is designed by and for private geospatial firm principals, owners, partners and senior professionals.

Topics include a status update on unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) regulations and sensors, marketing and reputation management in social media, privacy regulations, coastal modeling and programs, status of implementation of the highway bill (MAP-21), among other relevant presentations.

"The program touches on all aspects of the geospatial market including new technologies, workforce development, marketing and business opportunities, that impact our businesses on a daily basis," said Mike Tully (Aerial Services, Inc., Cedar Falls, IA), Program Committee Chairman and member of the MAPPS Board of Directors.

The conference will begin with a keynote address from Paul LePage, Governor of Maine, on Monday, July 22. The conference will conclude with a presentation by Boston Consulting Group on a report the firm conducted highlighting the annual revenue generated by the geospatial market, which reaches nearly $75 billion and drives more than $1.6 trillion in economic activity in the United States.

Intermixed with the educational sessions, the program includes networking events to build teaming relationships and partnerships, a cornerstone of MAPPS conferences.

"MAPPS meetings allow information to be shared about markets, technologies, and business practices among the professionals that make up the leading firms in the geospatial profession," said John Palatiello, Executive Director. "Our conferences have become a venue for senior officials to collaborate and exchange ideas on best practices, improve their knowledge base on topics that impact their business on a daily basis while also expanding business partnerships."

For full program, registration and other information, visit www.mapps.org.

MAPPS is offering a special membership promotion for firms that are not current members. The association invites principals of firms to attend the Summer Conference at the non-member rate. If the firm joins MAPPS prior to the end of the conference on July 26, 2013, the firm will be credited with the difference between the member and non-member rate. That is a 56% savings. The reimbursement will be credited toward the firm's 2013 membership dues in MAPPS.

About MAPPS

For more information on MAPPS, please visit www.mapps.org.

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Maine Governor Paul LePage to Keynote MAPPS Summer Conference, July 22

Fri, 31 May 2013 15:26:56 GMT

MAPPS, the national association for geospatial firms, today announced the Honorable Paul LePage,Governor of Maine, will provide the opening keynote at the association's annual Summer Conference on Monday, July 22.

Governor LePage will discuss how Maine invests, coordinates, and utilizes geospatial technologies and services, provide a synopsis of the business climate in his state, and his views on how states and the private sector can work together to promote economic growth and government reform.

"We are honored that Governor LePage will address the MAPPS membership and provide the insight of a state executive on geospatial data and services and the overall business climate," said John Palatiello, MAPPS Executive Director.

LePage was elected in 2010 and is serving a four-year term. Prior to being

elected Governor, he served as general manager of Marden's, a surplus and salvage retail chain in Maine. He grew the company from a handful of stores to 15 Maine-based locations that have become a favorite of bargain hunters and shopping adventurists alike. He was first elected to public office as Mayor of Waterville, Maine. As a Republican in a solidly Democrat town, the Governor worked across party lines to reduce taxes annually, improve the City's credit rating, increase the rainy day fund, and maintain strong support for local education - all without cutting services.

Governor LePage will be the first sitting governor to speak at a MAPPS conference. Three former governors, Jim Geringer (R-WY), Richard Lamm (D-CO), and John Rowland (R-CT) have been previous MAPPS speakers.

The conference to be held July 22-26, 2013 at the Samoset Resort in Rockport, ME will focus on business, management, marketing, technical, policy, and workforce issues relevant to the geospatial market, which includes surveying, photogrammetry, aerial photography, satellite and airborne remote sensing, LIDAR, hydrography, bathymetry, charting, aerial and satellite image processing, BIM, mobile mapping, GPS, and other GIS data collection and conversion services. The program is designed of, by and for private geospatial firm principals, owners, partners, and senior professional executives.

MAPPS extends a special offer to private geospatial firms that are not members of the association. A firm can register as a non-member and attend the conference. If the firm joins by the end of the conference on July 26, the difference between the member and non-member rate will be credited toward the firm's membership in MAPPS.

For the full conference program, information, and registration, please visit www.mapps.org.

About MAPPS

For more information on MAPPS, please visit www.mapps.org.

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MAPPS Commends Reintroduction of "Map It Once, Use it Many Times" Act in Congress

Wed, 1 May 2013 15:22:15 GMT

MAPPS (www.mapps.org), the national association for private sector geospatial firms, today commended Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-CO) for reintroducing H.R. 1604, the "Map It Once, Use It Many Times" Act on April 17.

H.R. 1604 is intended to reform, consolidate, and reorganize federal geospatial activities. Recently, a number of Government Accountability Office (GAO) reports have identified duplicative and a lack of coordination in federal geospatial activities. This bill provides a priority-setting mechanism to enhance the use of geospatial data, products, technology, and services for federal agencies, Congress and non-federal stakeholders.

"This legislation will save money, make government more efficient, and eliminate not only government agency duplication of one another, but government duplication of and competition with private enterprise. Use of the private sector for geospatial data, technology and services is important to national economic growth and job creation, and is of particular interest to Colorado given the significant concentration of firms doing this work in our state," said Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05).

The bill creates the National Geospatial Technology Administration within the United States Geological Survey (USGS) to streamline geospatial activities throughout the government and establish a centralized and comprehensive database of geospatial data for use by the Federal Government. The bill does not create new bureaucracies, but rather consolidates existing agency activities and committees to focus on geospatial activities in the federal government.

"We know through multiple GAO reports that the Federal government is investing in geospatial technology, but lacking effective coordination of geospatial activities for use by the agencies and citizenry," said John Palatiello, MAPPS Executive Director. "MAPPS applauds Rep. Lamborn for reintroducing the 'Map It Once, Use it Many Times Act', which we firmly believe will enable the government to more efficiently manage its investment in geospatial data and to more effectively utilize the private sector geospatial market to provided the products and services that benefit the federal agencies and taxpayers of the United States."

H.R. 1604 includes several revisions to a similar bill that was introduced in the 112th Congress based on a hearing held in May 2012 and comments Rep. Lamborn received.

About MAPPS

For more information on MAPPS, please visit www.MAPPS.org.

MAPPS to Conduct Salary and Non-Cash Benefits Survey of US Geospatial Firms

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 15:35:33 GMT

MAPPS (www.mapps.org), the national association of private sector geospatial firms, will conduct a "Non-Cash Benefits and Salary Survey" to provide a comprehensive overview of the major salary data and benefit programs for pay levels from entry level technical positions through middle management.

The survey is the only one conducted by a professional organization collecting data exclusively among private sector U.S. geospatial service firms. The study has been conducted every three years since 2000.

Data presented in the salary survey portion of the report is a useful management tool. By comparing a firm's salary structure to the regional labor market, a firm principal can determine if his or her organization is competitive in salary and benefits for employees, and benchmark possible under - or over-payment in specific employee categories. This information can also help establish the relationship of positions, or internal equity, within an organization.

This nation wide survey gathers data about employee benefits such as paid time off; health, vision and dental coverage; life insurance; short and long term disability plans; bonus programs; savings plans and much more. The results are reported on a consolidated basis, as well as, by size of firm and geographic region. The results give employers the opportunity to compare their benefit package with those of firms of comparable size and geographic location.

The survey includes a comparative study of changes in wages and benefits from 2010 when the study was last conducted by MAPPS.

In addition, firms are able to use the salary survey when submitting salary information for procurement negotiations. The report will be provided free of charge to participating member firms. MAPPS will make the results available to non-member firms for at a premium price.

The web-based survey, to begin on April 15, will be conducted by Compdata Surveys, an independent third party professional data collection company. Individual firm responses and data will be treated with complete confidence. No MAPPS staff or member will see any firm's information.

Any private sector firm in the United States with a desire to receive the results for free can join MAPPS and participate in the survey. A presentation on the survey results will be offered at the MAPPS Summer Conference, July 22 - 26, 2013 at the Samoset Resort in Rockport, Maine. The survey report will be available for sale to non-members, at a premium price, at that time.

About MAPPS

MAPPS provides its 160+ member firms opportunities for networking and developing business-to-business relationships, information sharing, education, public policy advocacy, market growth, and professional development and image enhancement.

For more information on MAPPS, please visit www.MAPPS.org.

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MAPPS Applauds Introduction of Digital Coast Act by Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger and Rep. Don Young

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 19:31:46 GMT

Proposal authorizes geospatial data for Nation's Coastal Areas

More than half of all Americans, 153 million people, currently live on or near a coast and an additional 12 million are expected to move to the coasts over the next decade. Yet despite this population density and economic magnet, much of the 95,000 miles of U.S. shoreline does not have current, accurate maps and geospatial information; moreover, much of what does exist pre-dates the 1970s. Of America's major ports, harbors and shipping areas, there is a 26,000 square nautical mile backlog that will take some 15 years to accurately update with current maps. Given recent natural disasters along our coastlines, including Hurricane's Sandy and Katrina and manmade events such as the Gulf Coast Oil Spill, the need for spatial data on our coasts is critical to emergency preparedness, emergency response, coastal assessments, conservation, and economic growth.

That is why today, MAPPS (www.mapps.org), the national association of private sector geospatial firms, applauds the introduction of a bi-partisan bill, H.R. 1382, the "Digital Coast Act of 2013" by U.S. Representatives C.A. "Dutch" Ruppersberger (D-MD) and Don Young (R-AK). The bill will authorize a "Digital Coast" program whereby the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) would develop a coordinated and comprehensive national mapping effort for coastal, State and territorial waters of the United States.

MAPPS Executive Director John Palatiello said, "The 'Digital Coast Act' is needed to realize the concept of a digital and geospatially enabled view of the Nation's coastlines as recommended by the National Academy of Sciences (NAS). The Digital Coast Act provides an opportunity to help America's ocean, coastal, and shoreline areas by addressing issues raised by the U.S. Oceans Commission, the Pew Commission, as well as several NAS reports, all of which have highlighted the need for surveying, charting, remote sensing, and geospatial data of America's coasts, harbors, ports, shorelines, and ocean resources critical to the nation's most basic economic and recreational activities, and to smartly conserve a fragile environment."

MAPPS President Richard "Dick" McDonald, PLS (T3 Global Strategies, Inc., Bridgeville, PA) said, "This Digital Coast program within NOAA will also coordinate the pooling of resources from multiple Federal, state, and local agencies and other stakeholders to map the various needs once, and then utilize and apply the high-quality data and products numerous times, thus reducing wasteful duplication, while maximizing the return on investment for all stakeholders."

The "Digital Coast" is a geospatially enabled program to improve coordination and support work with stakeholders to identify geospatial priorities; improve coordination of coastal mapping and management activities; use standards and standardized methods for data acquisition, processing, and distribution to ensure broadest utility of data; promote best practices when applying geospatial data for coastal decision making; and contract for the collection and creation of quality non-navigation feature data sets to include: shoreline change, satellite and aerial imagery, land use and land cover maps, benthic habitat mapping, terrestrial topography, shallow water bathymetry, and submerged aquatic vegetation.

"H.R. 1382 is needed to truly satisfy the concept of a robust 'Digital Coast' and we commend Reps. Ruppersberger and Young for working in a bipartisan manner to do so," concluded Palatiello.

Congressman Ruppersberger serves as the Ranking Member on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. H.R. 1382 was referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources where Congressman Young is a member and former Chairman.

About MAPPS

For more information on MAPPS, please visit www.MAPPS.org.

MAPPS Applauds Introduction of FLAIR Act, a Bill to Create an Inventory of Federal Land Assets

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 21:06:35 GMT

A bi-partisan bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives to create a current, accurate Federal inventory or "cadastre" of all Federal real property has earned praise from MAPPS (www.mapps.org), the national association of private sector geospatial firms.

The Federal Land Asset Inventory Reform ("FLAIR)" Act, H.R. 916, was introduced on February 28 by Representatives Ron Kind (D-WI) and Rob Bishop (R-UT).

"The FLAIR Act is an effective government reform bill that will utilize Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology to help capture information about federal property. The bill also improves data management to help eliminate fraud, waste and redundancies, something I've been focused on since my days doing research for Senator William Proxmire's 'Golden Fleece' awards pointing out wasteful government spending," said Congressman Kind.

"In an era where technological advancements are made on an almost daily basis, it makes no sense that we don't have an accurate and up-to-date database of our federal lands and infrastructure. Outdated inventories and inaccurate data waste time and taxpayer dollars. If I can view the streets of a tiny town in Germany on Google maps as though I were standing there in person, I should, at the very least, be able to find a comprehensive, accurate, online listing of our country's public land assets. I think the American people would be surprised by the fact that this doesn't already exist," said Congressman Bishop.

Since 2003 and as recently as February 2013, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) has repeatedly designated 'Managing Federal Real Property' one of the high-risk areas within the Federal government most prone to waste, fraud and abuse. One of the reasons cited by the GAO is the fact that the government does not have a current, accurate inventory of the land it owns. A national cadastre has also been recommended by the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences, and the FLAIR Act has been endorsed by its Committee on Land Parcel Databases.

"At a time when Congress is looking to cut spending, add revenue and protect investments it is imperative that agencies identify and eliminate duplicative and wasteful activities using geographic information systems (GIS) and provide accountability for the real property the Federal government owns," said John Palatiello, MAPPS Executive Director.

The FLAIR Act will provide all agencies owning Federal real property an improved accounting of their land assets. The bill will also conduct an inventory of existing inventories to eliminate duplicate or obsolete activities and save tax dollars. Such a consolidated geographically enabled information system will assist in improved Federal land management, resource conservation, environmental protection and utilization of real property, as well as identify property the Federal government no longer needs to own.

Palatiello concluded, "We commend Reps. Kind and Bishop for working in a bipartisan manner."

MAPPS members promoted the FLAIR Act in Congress during the association's annual Federal Programs Conference, held March 12-13 in Washington, DC. Representatives Mark Amodei (R-NV), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Jason Chaffetz (R-UT), Mike Coffman (R-CO), Bill Johnson (R-OH), Walter Jones (R-NC), Michael Michaud (D-ME), Steve Pearce (R-NM), David Price (D-NC) and Don Young (R-AK) are also cosponsors.

Senate companion legislation will soon be reintroduced.

About MAPPS

For more information on MAPPS, please visit www.MAPPS.org.

MAPPS to Host International Conference on Exporting for Geospatial, Engineering and Related Services

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 23:04:07 GMT

Washington, DC - As the domestic economy continues to struggle, firms in the geospatial, engineering, and related professional services field continue to look for new opportunities to expand. That is why MAPPS, the national association for private sector geospatial firms, today announced it will host the "Geospatial and Engineering International Market Conference - Entering and Expanding Global Business Opportunities," November 13-14, 2013 at the Westin Hotel in Alexandria, VA.

The conference will provide information and practical knowledge to enable firms to export their services, data and products to overseas clients. It will feature agencies and organizations that finance, procure, coordinate, and manage geospatial and engineering projects outside the United States with presentations on their programs, budgets, requirements, and procurement procedures. Agencies that assist U.S. companies with exporting will inform firms of services available to assist with expansion

into the global market.

Private sector professionals experienced in international business will share best practices and lessons learned. The conference will also include unique teaming, partnering and networking opportunities. Session topics will be geared toward firms that are new to exporting and those who seek to expand their international portfolio.

Supporting organizations include the Association of American Geographers (AAG), American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS), Construction Industry Round Table (CIRT), and the Urban and Regional Information Systems Association (URISA).

Details about the conference are available on the conference website, www.geointernational.org. Participating agencies, speakers and sponsors will be announced at a later date and time. Interested professionals can sign up for email information on the conference on the web site.

About MAPPS

For more information on MAPPS, please visit www.MAPPS.org.

Federal Agency Contracting Opportunities and Congress to be Focus of MAPPS Federal Programs Conferen

Fri, 8 Mar 2013 15:54:36 GMT

A double-header luncheon session on implementation of the recently-enacted MAP-21 Act, featuring senior officials of the Federal Highway Administration (FHwA) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), will highlight the annual MAPPS (www.mapps.org) Federal Programs Conference opening on Tuesday, March 12 in Washington, DC. The conference will include presentations by Federal agencies, members of Congress, and visits to the U.S. House and Senate by MAPPS members.

MAPPS member firm principals will hear presentations by Federal agency officials on their programs, budgets, and requirements for acquisition of geospatial services, data and products from the private sector that are on the horizon. The association also hosts a series of liaison meetings with key agencies, featuring small group discussions between agencies and the private sector on issues affecting the relationship between government and private geospatial firms.

A luncheon session will feature John Baxter, FHwA Associate Administrator for Infrastructure and Doug Bellomo, Director, Risk Analysis Division, FEMA, who will discuss implementation of the MAP-21 Act. MAP-21, enacted last year, has been called "one of the most important pieces of surveying and mapping legislation enacted in many years". It includes significant provisions reforming the FEMA flood map program and numerous provisions creating geospatial data and service requirements in the federal highway program.

MAPPS members will be on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, March 13, visiting more than 200 Congressmen and Senators and their staffs. The geospatial firm principals will be advocating limits on government agency competition with their private enterprise establishments, enactment of a bill to provide a cadastre-based inventory of federally owned land and buildings, the need for accurate surveying and mapping data for location of pipelines and other underground infrastructure utilities, and a Congressional resolution clarifying that geospatial data can be safely collected, stored and used without infringing on individual citizen privacy.

Among the members of Congress who will speak to MAPPS members during the 2-day conference will be Representative William Johnson (R-OH), Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI).

"MAPPS is the only organization in the geospatial community that hosts a conference of this kind," said MAPPS Executive Director John Palatiello. "Our members gain valuable insights into business opportunities with Federal agencies and advocate for the geospatial profession in Congress. This is an extraordinarily productive and valuable annual conference. Since starting the Federal Programs Conference in 1991, MAPPS members have had a considerable impact with these meetings. We are particularly pleased to be able to get up-to-date information from FEMA and FHwA on MAP-21 implementation."

Federal agencies making presentations at the conference, to be held at the Westin City Center Hotel, in Washington DC, will be the US Army Corps of Engineers, US Air Force, Office of the Secretary of Defense, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, Department of the Interior, US Geological Survey, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Forest Service, Federal Aviation Administration, and Department of Homeland Security.

About MAPPS
Formed in 1982, MAPPS is the only national association exclusively comprised of private firms in the remote sensing, spatial data and geographic information systems field in the United States. The MAPPS membership spans the entire spectrum of the geospatial community, including Member Firms engaged in satellite and airborne remote sensing, surveying, photogrammetry, aerial photography, LIDAR, hydrography, bathymetry, charting, aerial and satellite image processing, GPS, and GIS data collection and conversion services. MAPPS also includes Associate Member Firms, which are companies that provide hardware, software, products and services to the geospatial profession in the United States and other firms from around the world. Independent Consultant Members are sole proprietors engaged in consulting in or to the geospatial profession, or provides a consulting service of interest to the geospatial profession.

MAPPS provides its 160+ member firms opportunities for networking and developing business-to-business relationships, information sharing, education, public policy advocacy, market growth, and professional development and image enhancement.

For more information on MAPPS, please visit www.MAPPS.org.

MAPPS Partners with ILMF, Will Present and Exhibit Feb. 11-13 in Denver

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 21:28:56 GMT

MAPPS (www.mapps.org), the association of private sector geospatial firms, will make a presentation and exhibit at the International Lidar Mapping Forum (ILMF) to be held in Denver, CO February 11-13, 2013.

The LIDAR and mobile mapping market plays an important role in the surveying, spatial data and geographic information systems field in the United States. The commercial focus of ILMF is particularly aligned with the objectives of MAPPS, which is to promote the business interests of the profession.

Nick Palatiello, MAPPS Assistant Executive Director for External Affairs, will make a presentation on Tuesday, February 12 on the "Opportunities and Threats" facing the LIDAR marketplace. He will provide an overview on how the MAP-21 Act enacted into law in July 2012 and the proposed US Geological Survey's 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) could enhance demand for LIDAR in the United States.

"MAPPS is pleased to support ILMF. As the association of the leading firms in airborne, terrestrial, mobile and bathymetric LIDAR, MAPPS has been in the forefront of advocacy of this technology, use of the private sector in the collection, processing and value-added application of LIDAR data, and qualifications based selection for those services. ILMF is important to advancing these goals," said Palatiello.

This is the second time that MAPPS has partnered with ILMF. MAPPS will have an exhibit at booth #42a in the exhibit hall.

MAPPS has more than 160 member firms engaged in satellite and airborne remote sensing, surveying, photogrammetry, aerial photography, LIDAR, hydrography, bathymetry, charting, aerial and satellite image processing, GPS, and GIS data collection and conversion services.

The full conference program will focus on all aspects of airborne and bathymetric LIDAR, as well as mobile mapping systems and provide education on a cutting edge technology for development of digital maps for highways and urban areas.

About the International Lidar Mapping Forum (ILMF)

The ILMF is the established premier event for the LIDAR community, attracting professionals from all over the world. This 10th annual summit is the focal gathering of leaders, pioneers, experts from government, academia and professionals from organizations looking to invest in and benefit from LIDAR technology and services.

About MAPPS

For more information on MAPPS, please visit www.MAPPS.org.

MAPPS Endorses US Geological Survey's 3D Elevation Program (3DEP)

Thu, 7 Feb 2013 16:16:27 GMT

MAPPS (www.mapps.org), the national association of private sector geospatial firms, has formerly endorsed the 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) developed by the US Geological Survey (USGS).

"USGS should be applauded for its diligence developing the 3DEP program, identifying stakeholders in the public and private sector, and coordinating with Federal, state and local agency partners and the private sector in an effort to develop and fund the program," said Dick McDonald, PLS, MAPPS President (T3 Global Strategies, Bridgeville,PA). "It is because of the partnership and the framework for the program that MAPPS endorses the program and will work in conjunction with USGS to make the program a reality for the benefit the citizens of the United States."

In the endorsement, MAPPS urges the Obama Administration, Congress, and the states to cooperatively fund the program at its optimal level of $146 million per year. MAPPS conducted a market analysis that indicated that a public-private partnership would spawn economic growth using multiple-award USGS contracts for data collection services and increase the demand in the manufacturing for LIDAR equipment. The study showed that there is excess capacity in the private sector to complete the program in the near-term and over its proposed lifespan.

The primary goal of 3DEP is to systematically collect enhanced elevation data in the form of high-quality light detection and ranging (LIDAR) data over the conterminous United States, Hawaii, and the U.S. territories, with data acquired over an 8-year period. The 3DEP initiative is being developed to respond to growing need for high-quality elevation data and for a wide range of applications requiring LIDAR of the Nation's natural and constructed features. Interferometric synthetic aperture radar (ifsar) data will be collected over Alaska, where cloud cover and remote locations preclude the use of LIDAR over much of the State.

The MAPPS Board of Directors unanimously adopted a formal endorsement statement during the association's winter meeting in Sunny Isles, Florida on January 27.

About MAPPS

For more information on MAPPS, please visit www.MAPPS.org.

MAPPS Donates to Local Miami-Dade Community During Weeklong Conference

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 22:44:41 GMT

Sunny Isles, Fla. – How many geospatial professionals does it take to build a bicycle? That question was answered thirteen different ways today at the Trump International Resort in Sunny Isles, FL as members of a national trade association participated in a charity bike build. Although more than 120 people competed in teams, the real winner was Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade where the bicycles were donated.

The participants were in Miami to attend the annual winter conference of MAPPS (www.mapps.org), the national association of private sector geospatial firms. They are the owners, principals and senior level executives of companies in the remote sensing, spatial data, and geographic information systems (GIS) field. In other words, these companies are involved in gathering billions of pieces of information and creating all types of maps. But today, they were focused on putting a frame on two wheels and making it work!

"As a trade association, MAPPS has been an advocate for professionalism in the geospatial market. This networking activity to benefit the local community exemplifies the spirit of the organization and its mission. As business owners, MAPPS members are not just interested in profit, but professionalism as well. It was gratifying to make this contribution to young boys and girls who need and deserve a helping hand,” said Dick McDonald, MAPPS President (T3 Global Strategies, Bridgeville, PA).

Microsoft Corporation (Boulder, CO), who provided participants with t-shirts, sponsored the overall event. The sponsors of each of the teams included Microsoft; Aerial Services, Inc. (Cedar Falls, IA); Merrick & Company (Aurora, CO); Michael Baker Jr., Inc. (Harrisburg, PA); Trimble Navigation Limited (Sunnyvale, CA); Wilson & Company, Inc., Engineers & Architects (Salina, KS); Woolpert, Inc. (Dayton, OH) and Visual Intelligence (Houston, TX).

"We’re very thankful to MAPPS for choosing Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade to receive bikes from this event,” said Alex Rodriguez-Roig, executive director of Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade. "With the efforts of MAPPS members, we continue to make a difference in the lives of many area youth.”

The completed bicycles were presented to children from Boys and Girls Clubs’ Northwest Club at a ceremony at the conclusion of the event. The bike build took place in conjunction with the associations’ annual winter conference, which included attendees from 29 states, Switzerland and Canada on January 27-31.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade

Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade has been serving youth in the community since 1940. What once was a single building and site for boys has grown to five Clubs serving 10,000 boys and girls year round, providing programs in the areas of character and leadership development, educational enhancement, career preparation, health and life skills, cultural arts and sports, fitness and recreation. Club staffing, initiatives, and programs are designed to inspire and enable young people and provide them with the resources to succeed and share in the American Dream. For more information, please visit www.bgcmia.org.

About MAPPS

For more information on MAPPS, please visit www.mapps.org.

Congressmen Joe Garcia (D-FL) to Keynote MAPPS Winter Conference

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 16:37:33 GMT

Congressman Joe Garcia, a Democrat from Florida’s 26th District, will be the keynote speaker for the MAPPS Winter Conference, to be held January 27-31 at the Trump International Resort in Sunny Isles Beach, FL, MAPPS (www.mapps.org), the national association for private sector geospatial firms, announced today.

Rep. Garcia was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives on November 6, 2012. His district spans from West Miami-Dade to Key West. He serves on the House Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on Natural Resources.

"It is a privilege to have Congressman Garcia give the keynote address at the MAPPS Winter Conference and provide the membership insight on the new Congress,” said John Palatiello, MAPPS Executive Director. "MAPPS strives to connect members of Congress with private sector geospatial professionals in an effort to showcase the products and services utilized by Federal agencies to benefit the citizenry of the United States.”

Prior to being elected to Congress, Rep. Garcia served as Director of the Office of Minority Economic Impact for the United States Department of Energy. He will speak on the 113th Congress and issues under the jurisdiction of the committees on which he serves. Of particular interest to MAPPS members, the Judiciary Committee oversees Federal Prison Industries, reform of which MAPPS has long supported in order to prevent unfair competition with private firms. The Natural Resources Committee has responsibility for the FLAIR Act, Map It Once, Use It Many Times Act, and the Digital Coast Act.

Sessions at the MAPPS conference will focus on education and continuing professional development, networking to build business-to-business relationships, and ways to better manage a surveying, mapping or geospatial company. Topics on the conference program will include:

Mergers and acquisitions; human resources: performance evaluations and 360 reviews; health care reform: implementation in your firm and family; wealth management; National Geospatial Advisory Council (NGAC) update; indoor mapping; sensor fusion; automated feature extraction; thermal mapping; asset management; Florida market for geospatial services; Federal agency updates; location/mobile mapping; ethics; privacy issues and geospatial firms; legislative issues roundtable; geospatial excellence awards; CFO issues panel; and an important session on "big data" with Microsoft, Amazon, Esri, and Google all presenting.

MAPPS is offering a special membership promotion for firms that are not current members. The association invites principals of firms to attend the Winter Conference at the non-member rate, but if the firm joins MAPPS prior to the end of the conference on January 31, 2013, the firm will be credited with the difference between the member and non-member rate. The reimbursement will be credited toward the firm's 2013 membership dues in MAPPS.

About MAPPS

For more information on MAPPS, please visit www.mapps.org.

Susan Marlow Selected to Fill Vacancy on MAPPS Board of Directors

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 16:16:50 GMT

MAPPS, (www.mapps.org), the national association of private sector geospatial firms, has announced the selection of Susan Marlow, founder and CEO of Smart Data Strategies of Franklin, TN as a member of the association’s Board of Directors. Ms. Marlow was selected by the MAPPS Board to fill a vacancy caused by the retirement and resignation of Paul Harwig, PE, SP, formerly of Fugro Horizons, Inc., Rapid City, SD.

"Susan Marlow has been a recognized and respected leader of our profession. Her vision and experience will be an asset to the Board and our entire membership,” said Richard "Dick” McDonald, PLS, (T3 Global Technologies, Bridgeville, PA), President of MAPPS. "I am delighted she has agreed to serve and we welcome her to the Board.”

Smart Data Strategies, Inc. provides a variety of GIS software and services that focus on Real Property Intelligence™. Ms. Marlow has been involved in numerous leadership activities in the geospatial profession. She has long served as Chairman of the MAPPS Federal Cadastre Task Force and has been the recipient of numerous MAPPS Presidential Awards for her contributions.

Ms. Marlow has also been Chairman of the Transportation Research Board (TRB) Panel for Integrating Geospatial Technologies into the ROW Process; a member of the National Academy of Sciences Committee on Land Parcel Databases that produced the report, National Land Parcel Data: A Vision for the Future; a delegate to the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) summit on Land Parcel Data for the Mortgage Crisis; and Chairman of the Board, Institute for GIS Studies (IGISS). She has testified before Congress on parcels, federal geospatial coordination, and geospatial workforce development.

Pursuant to the MAPPS bylaws, Ms. Marlow was selected by the other members of the MAPPS Board to serve as a director until the next business meeting of the association, to be held at the MAPPS Summer Conference in Rockport, ME on July 22 – 26, 2013.

About MAPPS

For more information on MAPPS, please visit www.MAPPS.org.

Big Data, Business Trends, and Networking Highlight MAPPS 2013 Winter Conference Program

Tue, 4 Dec 2012 14:56:25 GMT

MAPPS (www.mapps.org), the national association of private sector geospatial firms, has announced a program providing first-class business, technical education, and market opportunities for its annual Winter Conference, to be held January 27-31, 2013 at the Trump International Resort in Sunny Isles (Miami) Beach, Florida.

Sessions will focus on education programs, networking to build business-to-business relationships, and ways to better manage a surveying, mapping or geospatial company. Topics on the conference program will include:

Mergers and acquisitions; human resources: performance evaluations and 360 reviews; health care reform: implementation in your firm and family; wealth management; National Geospatial Advisory Council (NGAC) update; indoor mapping; sensor fusion; automated feature extraction; thermal mapping; asset management; Florida market for geospatial services; Federal agency updates; location/mobile mapping; ethics; privacy issues and geospatial firms; legislative issues roundtable; geospatial excellence awards; CFO issues panel; and an important session on "big data" with Amazon, Esri, and Google all presenting.

"These timely and important sessions focus on the business aspects of the geospatial profession, providing the leaders of private geospatial firms an opportunity to learn about market opportunities, changes in technology, and issues that impact their business such as the implementation of health care reform and privacy legislation," said Mike Tully, (Aerial Services, Inc., Cedar Falls, IA) chairman of the MAPPS program committee.

In addition to the education sessions, the program includes networking events to build teaming relationships and partnerships, a cornerstone to MAPPS conferences.

"For 30 years, MAPPS meetings have been known for the opportunity to network with the leaders of the geospatial community-- the key decision makers, the principals, owners, partners and senior professional executives of the top firms in the market," said John Palatiello, MAPPS Executive Director. "This conference program is one of our best. We are particularly excited that technology leaders such as Google, Amazon, Microsoft and Esri are all presenting at the conference."

For program, registration and other information, visit the MAPPS conference web page.

MAPPS is offering a special membership promotion for firms that are not current members. The association invites principals of firms to attend the Winter Conference at the non-member rate, but if the firm joins MAPPS prior to the end of the conference on January 31, 2013, the firm will be credited with the difference between the member and non-member rate. That is a 56% savings. The reimbursement will be credited toward the firm's 2013 membership dues in MAPPS.

About MAPPS
Formed in 1982, MAPPS is the only national association exclusively comprised of private firms in the remote sensing, spatial data and geographic information systems field in the United States. The MAPPS membership spans the entire spectrum of the geospatial community, including Member Firms engaged in satellite and airborne remote sensing, surveying, photogrammetry, aerial photography, LIDAR, hydrography, bathymetry, charting, aerial and satellite image processing, GPS, and GIS data collection and conversion services. MAPPS also includes Associate Member Firms, which are companies that provide hardware, software, products and services to the geospatial profession in the United States and other firms from around the world. Independent Consultant Members are sole proprietors engaged in consulting in or to the geospatial profession, or provides a consulting service of interest to the geospatial profession.

MAPPS provides its 160+ member firms opportunities for networking and developing business-to-business relationships, information sharing, education, public policy advocacy, market growth, and professional development and image enhancement.

For more information on MAPPS, please visit www.mapps.org.

MAPPS Announces Formation of State Chapter in Alabama at GEO Huntsville Conference

Fri, 9 Nov 2012 20:46:00 GMT

An Alabama state chapter of MAPPS, the association of private sector geospatial firms, was announced today at the GEO Huntsville conference in Huntsville, AL.

"Following the momentum of this conference, and recognizing the significant cluster of geospatial firms and organizations in Huntsville and the State of Alabama, the establishment of AL-MAPPS is natural to leverage that synergy for further business growth,” said Jeff Lower, MAPPS President-Elect, Magnolia River Services, Inc. during a presentation at the conference.

A number of principals of MAPPS member firms based in or with employees or offices in Alabama gathered on September 26 at the offices of Magnolia River Services, Inc. in Huntsville, AL for an "interest meeting" to discuss the establishment of a MAPPS chapter in Alabama.

A task force developed bylaws, established an initial Board of Directors, and organized the launch of the chapter at GEO-Huntsville.

The initial Board of Directors will be Dale Jobes, Magnolia River Services, Inc. (Huntsville, AL), Antonio Montoya, AeroMetric (Madison, AL), Scott Beard, Wiser Company (Birmingham, AL), George Jones, ISC (Huntsville, AL), and Aaron Morris, GISP Michael Baker Jr., Inc. (Ridgeland, MS).

"The growth of the MAPPS chapter program is a recognition by the membership of the unique synergy of firms at the national level that can be replicated in the states,” said MAPPS President Dick McDonald, PLS, CP (T3 Global Strategies, Bridgeville, PA). "Working together through a state chapter these member firms will be able to grow their business, raise awareness of the important role of geospatial technologies play in our society and affect public policy at the state and local level.”

Chapter dues will be just $250 per firm. In order to be a member of AL-MAPPS, a firm must be a member of the MAPPS national association. For more information, visit www.mapps.org.

About MAPPS

MAPPS PAC Announces Candidate Support in November 6 Election

Mon, 5 Nov 2012 18:58:50 GMT

The MAPPS Political Action Committee (MAPPS PAC) today announced it has contributed over $59,000 in support of 71 candidates for the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives for the November 6 election.

"MAPPS strongly supports these candidates. They were selected from our PAC based on their records on geospatial and general business issues, committee assignments, leadership positions, and the status of their election campaigns," said MAPPS Executive Director and PAC Treasurer John Palatiello. "This election cycle, we continued our implementation of a comprehensive process of candidate evaluation, input from our members, and staff analysis." MAPPS staff interviewed more than 50 candidates for the House and Senate.

"The MAPPS PAC is a bi-partisan PAC that supports Republicans and Democrats who have records of demonstrated support for the private geospatial community and our free enterprise system, and responsiveness to MAPPS members," said Pat Olson, MAPPS PAC Chairman. "This is the largest amount the MAPPS PAC has raised from its members and contributed to candidates in its history." Also serving on the MAPPS Political Action Committee are Kurt Allen and Jeff Lovin.

The MAPPS PAC set a goal to raise $75,000 during the two-year election cycle and has received over ninety percent to date. Contributions have been made to five Senatorial re-election campaigns, 10 Senatorial candidates, 49 House Representative re-election campaigns, seven House of Representative candidates and four candidates who did not make it to the November 6 ballot.

The PAC is the legal, ethical and professional way for membership organizations, such as MAPPS, to engage in America's great political process. The MAPPS PAC is a separate, segregated political fund that does not use dues money. The MAPPS PAC accepts voluntary, personal contributions from individuals in the geospatial profession to support candidates for Federal office who support the geospatial community and the free enterprise system. Under the Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA), the statute that governs the financing of federal elections, groups, such as trade and professional associations, can form committees to collect voluntary, individual contributions from members in a pool, and to make contributions from those committees to candidates for Federal office. No MAPPS, corporate or foreign funds are involved.

For more information about the MAPPS PAC and how to contribute visit the MAPPS PAC webpage.

About MAPPS

For more information on MAPPS, please visit www.MAPPS.org.

AeroMetric Wins Grand Award for 'Geospatial Foundation for Navajo Housing Authority' Project

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 04:23:53 GMT

A project developing orthoimagery and digital elevation models (DEM) for 30,000 square miles transcending four states for the Navajo Housing Authority has been selected as the Grand Award Winner for the 2012 MAPPS Geospatial Products and Services Excellence Awards.

AeroMetric, Inc., Sheboygan, WI was selected for "Creating an On Target Geospatial Foundation for the Navajo Housing Authority” a presentation ceremony October 30, 2012.

The project was selected because of AeroMetric’s ability to overcome challenges that included a large, multi-state project area, logistical and technical complexity in both acquisition and model generation in a remote, rugged topography with extreme and abrupt changes in elevation.

"AeroMetric’s project for developing a geospatial land base for the Navajo Housing Authority was truly an exemplary project in the judges’ estimation,” said Robert "Bob” Burtch PS, CP, Professor Emeritus, Ferris State University, Big Rapids, Michigan, chairman of the judges' panel. "Not only did this project deliver a tool to help the Navajo Nation improve the delivery of public services, it also provides a model for how other public sector entities can partner with the geospatial profession to cost-effectively deliver very large, complex projects.”

MAPPS awarded winners in seven technical categories. AeroMetric’s Navajo geospatial foundation project won in the Photogrammetry/Elevation Data Generation category. Photo Science’s project, "LIDAR for the North East” won in Airborne and Satellite Acquisition. Merrick & Company’s project "Enhancing Airfield Safety with LIDAR Technology” won in Remote Sensing and Merrick & Company’s project "Barrenlands, Bombs and Boundary Surveys” won in the Surveying/Field Data Collection category. The Sidwell Company won in the GIS/IT category for their "City of Storm Lake GIS/GPS Project”. Kappa Mapping won in the Small Projects category for the project "Mapping Fishing Gear and Lines to Reduce Whale Entanglements” and RIEGL USA’s project "Scanning the Seas” won for Technology Innovation.

"The projects entered into the sixth year of the Excellence Awards Program again demonstrate the ingenuity and professionalism that the private geospatial community provides to their clients and to enhance our quality of life,” said MAPPS Executive Director John Palatiello. "The awards highlight the ability for firms to work with clients to provide solutions that are within budget and have long lasting societal benefits on a daily basis.”

A panel of independent judges evaluated projects submitted by MAPPS members for the awards program. Joining Mr. Burtch on the panel was Robert "Bob” Banzhoff editor for surveying of Professional Surveyor Magazine, Haggerstown, Maryland; Christine Grahl, editor for POB Magazine and GeoDataPoint.com, Troy, Michigan; Leonard Gilroy, AICP, director of government reform at Reason Foundation, Los Angeles, CA; and Donn Dears, president of TSAugust.org, a nonprofit think tank conducting research on energy and economic issues, in Geneva, Illinois.

The awards presentation took place at the MAPPS/ASPRS Joint Specialty Conference at the Marriott Waterside Hotel in Tampa. Florida.

About MAPPS

Formed in 1982, MAPPS is the only national association exclusively comprised of private firms in the remote sensing, spatial data and geographic information systems field in the United States. The MAPPS membership spans the entire spectrum of the geospatial community, including Member Firms engaged in satellite and airborne remote sensing, surveying, photogrammetry, aerial photography, LIDAR, hydrography, bathymetry, charting, aerial and satellite image processing, GPS, and GIS data collection and conversion services. MAPPS also includes Associate Member Firms, which are companies that provide hardware, software, products and services to the geospatial profession in the United States and other firms from around the world. Independent Consultant Members are sole proprietors engaged in consulting in or to the geospatial profession, or provides a consulting service of interest to the geospatial profession.

MAPPS provides its 160+ member firms opportunities for networking and developing business-to-business relationships, information sharing, education, public policy advocacy, market growth, and professional development and image enhancement.

For more information on MAPPS, please visit www.MAPPS.org.

MAPPS Announces Judges for Sixth Annual Geospatial Products and Services Awards Competition

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 21:37:03 GMT

A panel of five independent judges has been selected to evaluate projects submitted in the MAPPS 2012 Geospatial Products and Services Excellence Awards competition. The award recipients will be announced on Tuesday, October 30 at the MAPPS/ASPRS Joint Specialty Conference in Tampa, Florida.

New to the panel in 2012 is Robert "Bob" Banzhoff, editor for Professional Surveyor Magazine. Mr. Banzhoff is a past president of Maryland Society of Surveyors (MSS) and was named Surveyor of the Year 2009 by that organization. He served on the Board of Trustees of the Maryland Society of Surveyors Educational Trust (MSSET). As Member Organizations Administrator at the American Congress on Surveying and Mapping (ACSM), he was national coordinator for the Certified Survey Technician and Trig-Star programs. He has been an adjunct instructor at the Community College of Baltimore County at Catonsville, (CCBC) and recently became the survey program coordinator for its two (2) year survey degree and certificate programs.

For the third year, the panel of judges is chaired by Robert Burtch, professor in the Surveying Engineering Program at Ferris State University, Big Rapids, MI, where he teaches courses in surveying, geographic information systems, photogrammetry and geodesy. Burtch is a Professional Surveyor in Michigan and a Certified Photogrammetrist, ASPRS.

Judges returning to the panel include:

Christine Grahl, the editor of POB magazine as well as GeoDataPoint.com, a fully interconnected website from POB that features insightful interviews and contributions from thought leaders in the geospatial profession. P.O.B., published by BNP Media, is the oldest monthly national magazine serving the surveying and mapping profession, reaching more than 38,000 readers. Kristi is an APEX Award-winning writer and editor, has been P.O.B. editor since 2008, and has spent the past 16 years working closely with publications serving audiences including engineers and entrepreneurs.

Donn D. Dears, a retired General Electric Company executive now based in Chicago. A graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy and veteran of the U.S. Navy. Mr. Dears is president of TSAugust, a 501(C)(3), nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank conducting research on energy and economic issues, is the author of two books and writes the blog, Power America.

Leonard Gilroy, director of government reform at Reason Foundation, a Los Angeles nonprofit think tank advancing free markets. Gilroy, a certified urban planner (AICP), researches privatization, government reform, transportation, infrastructure, and urban policy issues. Gilroy has a diversified background in policy research and implementation, with particular emphases on public-private partnerships, competition, government efficiency, transparency, accountability, and government performance. Gilroy has worked closely with legislators and elected officials in Texas, Arizona, Louisiana, Utah, Virginia, California, and several other states in efforts to design and implement market-based policy approaches, improve government performance, enhance accountability in government programs, and reduce government spending. He is the editor of the world's most respected newsletter on privatization, Privatization Watch, and is the editor of the widely-read Annual Privatization Report, which examines trends and chronicles the experiences of local, state, and federal governments in bringing competition to public services.

The MAPPS awards competition recognizes the professionalism, value, integrity and achievement that member firms have demonstrated in their projects and technology developments over the previous year. "We are honored to have these independent, knowledgeable individuals participate in our competition. The projects submitted exemplify the contributions private geospatial firms make to society every day to enhance our quality of life. The judges' backgrounds bring insight into the technical and societal merits of the projects," said MAPPS Executive Director John Palatiello.

The Geospatial Products and Services Excellence Awards program has eight categories for projects and technologies delivered in calendar year 2011: airborne and satellite data acquisition; photogrammetry/elevation data generation; remote sensing; GIS/IT; small projects; surveying/field data collection; technology innovation and licensed data products. A Grand Award winner will be selected from the eight category winners to represent the MAPPS Project of the Year. This is the sixth annual awards competition.

About MAPPS

For more information on MAPPS, please visit www.MAPPS.org.

Final Program Released for MAPPS/ASPRS Joint Specialty Conference in Tampa, Florida

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 21:53:04 GMT

In just a week geospatial professionals from around the world will come together in Tampa, Florida to learn about the revolution and evolution of cloud computing and other emerging new technologies impacting the geospatial practice at the 2012 MAPPS/ASPRS Joint Specialty Conference to be held October 29 through November 1.

Technical sessions during the conference will address the most pressing technologies and their applications including 3D, mobile mapping, cloud data management, unmanned aerial systems (UAS), lidar and the role of cloud computing with these technologies.

The conference will open with workshops covering such topics as mobile lidar, remote sensing, cloud computing, contracting for geospatial services, airborne flash lidar, and other technical topics. Further information on all of the pre-conference activities may be found at the conference web site www.asprs.org/Conferences/Tampa-2012.

Exciting networking events for students and professionals will take place throughout the conference and on the exhibit floor. A special UAV showcase has been included with the general exhibits highlighting the convergence of the new technology in the geospatial marketplace.

Dr. Gerald Bawden, with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), will provide the Keynote address on "Ultra-High Resolution Three and Four Dimensional Point Cloud Analysis Spanning the Earth Sciences.” Dr. Bawden will highlight how terrestrial lidar and laser scanning are enabling 3D site characterization and 4D change detection.

Jerry Johnston, geospatial information officer, U.S. Department of the Interior, will present the results of the National Enhanced Elevation Assessment (NEEA) and outline efforts to develop a national 3D elevation program (3DEP) based on the results of the study.

In addition to a variety of topics covered in the technical sessions, the conference offers a number of Special Sessions devoted to highlighting emerging trends in technologies that support geospatial applications

ASPRS will debut its Airborne Topographic Lidar Manual, the first comprehensive manual on airborne lidar technology and applications covering best practices and procedures for acquiring, processing and performing quality control and assurance. MAPPS will announce the winners of its annual Geospatial Products and Services Excellence Awards.

The concluding general session features members of MAPPS and ASPRS who will lead a discussion on the future of the geospatial profession, where the market is going, and how technology and the workforce are expected to evolve.

To view the final digital program, click here. The final program is also available on the conference web site at www.asprs.org/Conferences/Tampa-2012.

This significant conference is the seventh in a series that originated in 1994 as the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS) and the Management Association for Private Photogrammetric Surveyors (MAPPS) began jointly hosting education conferences on emerging mapping and geospatial technologies and applications that have now become an integral part of our everyday lives. The conference seeks to bring geospatial producers, data users, managers, and imaging and geospatial information professionals together to present the latest developments.

About MAPPS

About ASPRS

Founded in 1934, ASPRS is an international professional organization of 6,000 geospatial data professionals. ASPRS is devoted to advancing knowledge and improving understanding of the mapping sciences to promote responsible application of photogrammetry, remote sensing, geographic information systems and supporting technologies.

Professional Development Workshops Offered at Joint Specialty Conference

Tue, 2 Oct 2012 15:51:27 GMT

Prior to the start of the MAPPS-ASPRS Joint Specialty Conference October 29-November 1 in Tampa, FL, three important workshops will be presented that may contribute to continuing professional development of geospatial practitioners and contracting officers. The workshops include Licensing of Photogrammetrists and Other Geospatial Practitioners, QBS Contracting for Geospatial Services and Preparing Independent Government Cost Estimates (IGCE) for Geospatial Contract Negotiations. The workshops have been designed for procurement officers at the Federal, state and local level and private practice professionals and firm personnel involved in marketing, business development and contract administration.

The Licensing workshop will focus on legislation and regulations adopted at the state level defining a variety of photogrammetry, LIDAR, orthophoto, GIS and other geospatial activities as the practice of surveying, subject to state license. Today, many individuals may be unknowingly practicing surveying without a license. The workshop will review the NCEES Model Law, the status of current licensing laws in the 50 states, efforts by geospatial organizations to affect laws and legislations, and proposed alternate solutions. The workshop will also discuss differences between licensure and certification, as well as assist firms and practitioners in determining if they are in compliance with applicable laws.

A workshop focused on QBS Contracting for Geospatial Services will be instructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and will review the background of the qualifications based selection (QBS) process for procurement of professional services. Topics covered will include the principal requirements of the Brooks Act and similar state laws, and provide details on all phases of implementing a successful contracting process, including acquisition planning, scopes of work, public notification, full and open competition, evaluation and selection, negotiations, contract award, contract management and administration.

The acquisition of geospatial data and services requires considerable specialized knowledge of technology and best practices. Those in need of professional services will generally need to rely on the professional service providers to dictate "methods" because they are experts most familiar with the technology. It is incumbent on government managers to clearly identify their needs, the project scope, and know hot to ask the right questions so the best services and data are procured to assure a fee and value that is fair and reasonable to the government. Technicians and managers in government not involved daily in these pursuits may find it difficult to procure or administer projects for these professional services. The workshop on Preparing Independent Government Cost Estimates (IGCE) for Geospatial Contract Negotiations is designed to assist technicians and managers in government to understand the significance and importance of factors involved in procuring or administering geospatial professional data and services, provide guidance on developing independent government cost estimates for contract negotiations and help identify the right questions to ask of service providers to describe their needs without having to dictate the methods required to meet those needs.

Workshop registration is separate from the main conference. An individual is not required to register for the main conference in order to attend a workshop.

To view the preliminary program and to register, visit the conference website, www.asprs.org/Conferences/Tampa-2012.

About MAPPS

###

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Showcase Added to MAPPS/ASPRS Specialty Conference Program

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 16:41:33 GMT

Nick Palatiello
MAPPS Asst. Executive Director for External Affairs
(703) 787-6996
nick@mapps.org

Heather Staverman
ASPRS Meetings and Marketing Manager
301-493-0290 ext 106
hstaverman@asprs.org

As a market that has long utilized satellite and manned airborne platforms for data acquisition, the geospatial profession is finding unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or unmanned aerial system (UAS) technology has the potential to revolutionize data collection and lower operating costs. In an effort to continue to educate members and to fully embrace the conference theme "Ground to Cloud (R)Evolution – Emerging Technologies Supporting Geospatial Applications”, MAPPS and ASPRS today announced a UAV showcase is being added to its Joint Conference, October 29 through November 1 in Tampa, Florida to highlight and explore the emerging technology.

Manufacturers of UAV/UAS platforms, sensors and packages are encouraged to participate in the showcase to display the technology to a market eager to utilize the new systems. The showcase will allow geospatial practitioners and data collectors who will become the first to apply the technology with an opportunity to engage with the developers.

UAV/UAS manufactures are encouraged to sign-up for the showcase by contacting Kelley Kennedy-Lapping at asprs@townsend-group.com.

In addition to the showcase, on Thursday, November 1 a special session will focus on UAV/UAS’s and the geospatial market. Mike Tully, Aerial Services, Inc. (Cedar Falls, IA), will review the results of an extensive market survey of commercial unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in the U.S., focusing on systems in the "under 55 lbs.” class. In addition, George Southard, Trimble Navigation Limited (Westminster, CO) will discuss what Trimble’s recent acquisition of Gatewing NV and the introduction of UAV/UAS means to the geospatial, mapping, agriculture and surveying markets. The session will also review the legal and operational hurdles that must be overcome for commercial unmanned systems to function in U.S. airspace.

Early registration for the conference ends September 28, 2012. To view the preliminary program and to register visit the conference website, www.asprs.org/Conferences/Tampa-2012.

Sponsorships and exhibits for the conference are available and information on how to become part of the conference may be found on the conference web site, http://www.asprs.org/Conferences/Tampa-2012/Exhibition/blog.

About ASPRS
Founded in 1934, ASPRS is an international professional organization of 6,000 geospatial data professionals. ASPRS is devoted to advancing knowledge and improving understanding of the mapping sciences to promote responsible application of photogrammetry, remote sensing, geographic information systems and supporting technologies.

About MAPPS
Formed in 1982, MAPPS is the only national association exclusively comprised of private firms in the remote sensing, spatial data and geographic information systems field in the United States. The MAPPS membership spans the entire spectrum of the geospatial community, including Member Firms engaged in satellite and airborne remote sensing, surveying, photogrammetry, aerial photography, LIDAR, hydrography, bathymetry, charting, aerial and satellite image processing, GPS, and GIS data collection and conversion services. MAPPS also includes Associate Member Firms, which are companies that provide hardware, software, products and services to the geospatial profession in the United States and other firms from around the world. Independent Consultant Members are sole proprietors engaged in consulting in or to the geospatial profession, or provides a consulting service of interest to the geospatial profession.

MAPPS provides its 160+ member firms opportunities for networking and developing business-to-business relationships, information sharing, education, public policy advocacy, market growth, and professional development and image enhancement.

MAPPS Applauds Introduction of Digital Coast Act in U.S. House

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 18:16:51 GMT

A bill to establish a "Digital Coast" program whereby the the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) develops a coordinated and comprehensive national mapping effort for coastal, State and territorial waters of the United States has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives, earning praise from MAPPS (www.mapps.org), the national association of private sector geospatial firms.

The Digital Coast Act of 2012, H.R. 6475, was introduced today, September 21, by U.S. Representatives C.A. "Dutch" Ruppersberger (D-MD) and Don Young (R-AK).

MAPPS Executive Director John Palatiello said, "The 'Digital Coast Act' is needed to realize the concept of a 'Digital Coast' as recommended by the National Academy of Sciences (NAS). The Digital Coast Act provides an opportunity to help America's ocean, coastal and shoreline areas by addressing issues raised by the U.S. Oceans Commission, the Pew Commission, as well as several NAS reports, all of which have highlighted the need for surveying, charting, remote sensing and geospatial data of America's coasts, harbors, ports, shorelines and ocean resources critical to the nation's most basic economic and recreational activities, to to smartly conserve a fragile environment."

MAPPS President Richard "Dick" McDonald, CP, PLS (T3 Global Strategies, Inc., Bridgeville, PA) said, "This Digital Coast program within NOAA will also coordinate the pooling of resources from multiple agencies (Federal, state, and local) and other stakeholders to map the various needs once, and then utilize and apply the high-quality data and products numerous times, thus reducing taxpayer waste while maximizing the return on investment for all stakeholders."

"In 2009, Congress enacted Public Law 111-11 creating an integrated oceans and coastal mapping (IOCM) program. This language required the administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to develop a plan to acquire, disseminate, establish standards and provide services in connection with various types of geospatial data. Although this language was a step in the right direction, H.R. 6475 is needed to truly satisfy the robust concept of a 'Digital Coast' and we commend Reps. Ruppersberger and Young for working in a bipartisan manner to do so," concluded Palatiello.

Congressman Ruppersberger serves on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence as the Ranking Member. H.R. 6475 was referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources where Congressman Young is the former Chairman.

About MAPPS

For more information on MAPPS, please visit www.MAPPS.org.

MAPPS/ASPRS Announce Preliminary Program for “Ground to Cloud (R)evolution” Joint Conference

Fri, 17 Aug 2012 19:40:18 GMT

The revolution and evolution of cloud computing and other emerging new technologies impacting the practice of geospatial professionals will be presented at the 2012 MAPPS/ASPRS Joint Specialty Conference to be held October 29 through November 1 in Tampa, Florida.

The conference will open with 10 workshops covering such topics as mobile lidar, remote sensing, cloud computing, contracting for geospatial services, classified GEOINT activities, and other technical topics. Further information on all of the pre-conference activities may be found at the conference web site www.asprs.org/Conferences/Tampa-2012.

Dr. Gerald Bowden, United States Geological Survey (USGS), will provide the Keynote address on "Ultra-High Resolution Three and Four Dimensional Point Cloud Analysis Spanning the Earth Sciences.” Dr. Bowden will highlight how terrestrial lidar and laser scanning are enabling 3D site characterization and 4D change detection.

Dr. Jerry Johnston, geospatial information officer, U.S. Department of the Interior will present the results of the National Enhanced Elevation Assessment (NEEA) and outline efforts to develop a national 3D elevation program (3DEP) based on the results of the study.

ASPRS will debut its "ASPRS Airborne Topographic Lidar Manual”, the first comprehensive manual on airborne lidar technology and applications covering best practices and procedures for acquiring, processing and performing quality control and assurance. MAPPS will announce the winners of its annual Geospatial Products and Services Excellence Awards.

To view the digital preliminary program, click here. The preliminary program is also available on the conference web site at www.asprs.org/Conferences/Tampa-2012.

Sponsorships and exhibits for the conference are available and information on how to become part of the conference may be found on the conference web site.

About ASPRS

About MAPPS

Contact:
Heather Staverman
ASPRS Meetings and Marketing Manager
301-493-0290 ext 106
hstaverman@asprs.org

Nick Palatiello
MAPPS Assistant Executive Director for External Affairs
703-787-6996
nick@mapps.org

MAPPS Announces 2012 President's Award Recipients

Fri, 10 Aug 2012 17:33:12 GMT

MAPPS, the national association for private sector geospatial firms, recognized 10 individuals for significant contributions to the association and the profession at the association's recent annual conference in Snowmass, CO.

Richard "Dick” McDonald, CP, PLS (T3 Global Strategies, Inc., Bridgeville, PA) President, recognized the following individuals for Presidential Awards:

Eric Andelin, CP, GISP (Woolpert, Inc., Garland, TX) for service as Program Committee Chairman;
Steve Ellis, GISP (AeroMetric, Inc., Lock Haven, PA ) for contributions as President of the MAPPS chapter in Pennsylvania;
Jeff Lovin (Woolpert, Inc., Dayton, OH) for his work as delegate to COGO, Nominations Committee Chairman, on Bylaws, and on UAVs;
Alan Mikuni, PE (Towill, Inc., Concord, CA) for his leadership as Chairman of the Geospatial User Fee Working Group;
Chris Ogier (Woolpert, Inc. Atlanta, GA) for his work organizing the MAPPS state chapter in Georgia;
Pat Olson, CP, PE, PLS (AeroMetric, Inc., Sheboygan, WI) for his work on LiDAR policy with FAA, as MAPPS delegate to COFPAES, and as chairman of the MAPPS PAC and the MAPPS-USGS Liaison;
Gary Outlaw (Merrick & Company, Aurora, CO) for his service as the first President of the MAPPS State Chapter in Colorado;
Brian Raber, CMS, GLS, GISP (Merrick & Company, Aurora, CO) for his testimony before Congress on the Map It Once, Use It Many Times (MIO-UIMT) Act, H.R. 4233 and the Federal Land Asset inventory Reform (FLAIR) Act, H.R. 1620;
Mike Tully, CP, GISP (Aerial Services, Inc., Cedar Falls, IA) for development of a government cost estimating document; and
Jim Van Rens (Riegl USA, Orlando, FL) for his work on FAA policy regarding LiDAR operations.

Scott Perkins (T-Kartor USA, St. Louis, MO) was given special recognition for his dedication to the organization after fulfilling four terms on the MAPPS Board. Mr. Perkins had been a member of the Board of Directors for eight years.

"MAPPS would not have accomplished what it has over the past 30 years and continue to effectively represent the private sector without the efforts and involvement of the volunteer members who make up this association. The President’s Award recognizes those individuals who go above and beyond the call of duty serving the organization. These awards are an expression of my gratitude to each of these individuals who dedicate so much time and talent to the organization to make a better profession,” said McDonald.

About MAPPS

For more information on MAPPS, please visit www.MAPPS.org.