Intro Thoughts
Keep in mind that GIS is, by nature, very interdisciplinary. It is also a tool and, as such, can be applied to almost any profession. Many other professional organizations or certifications might be relevant to your specific interests (e.g., Professional Engineer or Certified Floodplain Manager). These are just a few examples to get you started:
Professional Organizations
- Association of American Geographers (AAG)
The premiere organization for professional geographers and geography buffs. - Southwest Division - AAG (SWAAG)SWAAG is the regional group of the AAG and may be more approachable and affordable for students. (Dues are paid to main AAG.) The 2016 conference will be held at UNT!
- South Central Arc Users Group (SCAUG)
SCAUG is the regional Arc group that hosts annual meetings, as well as local gatherings, and provides training/networking opportunities. - URISA International
URISA is considered to be the premier organization for the use and integration of spatial information technology to improve the quality of life in urban and regional environments. - URISA TX Chapter
As the Texas State Chapter our goal is to provide a platform for great ideas and people and to inspire leadership and achievement. We strive to provide exceptional educational experiences, a vibrant and connected community, and the essential resources you need to be successful in your career as a GIS professional. - GISCI Certification
The GIS Certification Institute is the organization that issues GISP status to qualified GIS users that meet certain experience criteria. - MAGIRT
The Map and Geospatial Information Round Table (MAGIRT) leads and inspires information professionals at all levels of expertise in their work with map and geospatial information resources, collections and technologies in all formats, through community, education and advocacy. - GISCorpsThe GISCorps is the volunteer element of URISA and has worked on projects ranging from the recent Ebola crisis in West Africa to digitizing topographic maps of North Korea.
K-12 Involvement
- GeoMentorsThe AAG-Esri ConnectED GeoMentors Program is working to enhance GIS and geographic learning in US K-12 schools through the introduction of ArcGIS Online into classrooms across the country. We welcome everyone from the broad GIS community, across all disciplines and sectors, to consider volunteering and help us build a nationwide network of GeoMentors to assist schools and teachers with their educational goals using GIS. You can also follow updates on Twitter using @AAGGeoMentors
Government Organizations
- USGIF
USGIF is the only organization of its kind aimed at bringing together the many disciplines involved in the geospatial intelligence sector to exchange ideas, share best practices, and promote the education and importance of a national geospatial intelligence agenda. - US NGA
The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) delivers world-class geospatial intelligence that provides a decisive advantage to policymakers, warfighters, intelligence professionals and first responders. - FEMA NIMS
Online training from FEMA related to the National Incident Management System (NIMS) as well as other curricula. IS-103 is the module dedicated to GIS support during an incident situation. - Texas EGRT
The Texas Emergency GIS Response Team (EGRT) is a volunteer organization dedicated to providing GIS support to the north Texas region in the event of a natural or man-made disaster.
