About URISA

History of URISA

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 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.

New publications, workshops, conferences, and a continuously-updated, information-packed website are just a few of the reasons why IT and GIS professionals turn to URISA first. It has become more important than ever to be a part of a "community" and URISA, with members like you around the world, embodies the GIS Community. With economies struggling worldwide, it is essential that URISA members sharpen their skills to assist their organizations in making wise and efficient decisions.

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.

URISA has a number of conferences on its schedule each year and a respected and growing publications library.

We are glad you're here and hope that you've found our web site informative and useful.  We also hope that you'll consider joining URISA, as our strength is in our ability to share information with one another.  Simply put, the more input we have from other professionals in these fields, the better off we all are.

"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

To carry out this 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.

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.

Stakeholders and Organizational Structure

URISA depends on the active participation of

•  our public sector members and their private sector partners,
•  research, academic and educational institutions,
•  other organizations that routinely interact with public organizations to provide better products and services to the community,
•  other professional organizations whose missions compliment that of the URISA.

URISA's organizational structure

• relies on the active participation and volunteer activities of our members,
• is governed by a Board of Directors that provides leadership, vision and policy direction,
• is advised by an Executive Committee, a Strategic Planning and Policy Committee, and an Presidents' Advisory Council,
• is structured into operating divisions, each directed by a URISA Board member, for effective management and operation, and
• The Education Division focuses on educational product development, delivery and quality control;
• The Publications Division provides high quality journals, reports, books, newsletters, and web-based information;
• The Operations Division oversees important organization functions including membership, awards, elections and external relations;
• The Outreach Division oversees programs and communication with Chapters, SIGs, Industry, the Public and Government;
• Is supported by a professional Executive Director and staff.

Outreach Strategies

URISA Chapters

URISA has Chapters that support organizational activities within smaller geographic areas.  Chapter officers must be members in good standing of URISA International.  All Chapter members are encouraged to become URISA International members.

Chapter responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• development of programs and activities that advance URISA's mission and principles at the local, state/provincial and regional levels;
• participation in the development of URISA educational products and services;
• identification of marketing opportunities and potential partnerships within their regions for URISA products and services;
• coordination of Chapter activities with the URISA Board of Directors through the Chapter Relations Committees