The Urban and Regional Information Systems Association (URISA) is a nonprofit association of professionals using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and other information technologies to solve challenges in state/provincial, regional and local government agencies and departments. 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 promotes the effective and ethical use of spatial information and information technologies for the understanding and management of urban and regional systems.

To carry out our mission, we...

1. Provide high quality professional education,
2. Foster communications among IT/GIS management professionals in provincial/state and local government, and
3. Encourage a multi-disciplinary approach to the design and use of urban and regional information systems.

Organizational Documents & Structure

• URISA Bylaws (revised March 16, 2013) - describe the organizational structure of the Board and officers, committees, membership requirements, voting procedures, and other essential guidelines for operating the association.

• URISA Organization:
  • Overall URISA Structure
  • URISA International Unit Structure
  • GIS Management Institute Unit Structure

• Current Leadership

• URISA Constitution - generally, a statement of purpose

• URISA Code of Ethics

• URISA History
  

URISA is a very active organization

URISA is the founding member of the GIS Certification Institute, the organization that administers professional certification for the field and is dedicated to advancing the industry. GISCorps, which provides volunteer GIS support for underdeveloped countries and to support disaster recovery efforts, is also a URISA program.

URISA is also a founding member of the Coalition of Geospatial Organizations (COGO). COGO was developed to provide a forum for organizations concerned with U.S. national geospatial issues that will 1) improve communications among the member organizations (and others), 2) provide educational information on relevant issues for their respective memberships, 3) align and strengthen their respective policy agendas, and 4) facilitate development of strategies to address national issues.

"I can't honestly say there was one specific moment that endeared me to URISA. But there were a number of situations where it became apparent to me that this association was focused on things that were important to me in the development of my career and my efforts to improve processes within my work environment. I don't know of any other association where I have been able to learn so much from those experienced in the integration of technologies and spatially enabling the enterprise. And the network of associates that I have developed over my years of involvement with URISA have been most supportive and rewarding. Its just the best place to be and to be involved!"

Dianne Haley, BSc, MScGIS, GISP
GIS Program Coordinator
Alberta Energy and Utilities Board

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Guiding Principles

URISA will...

• Conduct our business in a legal, moral, and ethical manner.
• Treat members and employees fairly.
• Develop relationships of trust, respect and teamwork between members.
• Share the fruits of our success among our members by providing new or enhanced products and services.
• Provide members and employees with opportunities to develop their skills and abilities.
• Not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation or national origin.
• Operate on a financially sound basis.
• Provide professional and high quality services.
• Deliver what we promise, when we promise it.
• Do our part to support the goals of our professional community.
• Be good citizens in our local communities.