London, 8 September 2026 – In a first-of-its-kind agreement, the Scottish Government has agreed a Collective Membership Agreement (CMA) with the Association for Geographic Information, the membership group for organisations and individuals working in the geospatial sector. This agreement, which is centrally funded, will enable Scottish members of the Public Sector Geospatial Agreement (PSGA) to access the member benefits and resources offered by the AGI. With a dedicated resource to manage, promote, and deliver the agreement, the agreement will strengthen Scotland’s position as a leader in geospatial innovation by driving community engagement.

This agreement is the result of a strong working partnership between AGI Scotland and the Scottish Government Geospatial Management Board, the governing body representing Scottish members of the PSGA, led by the Geographic Information Science and Analysis Team. The four-year agreement, includes nearly 150 public sector organisations ranging from central Scottish Government departments to community councils. Under the terms of the agreement the Scottish Government, as sponsor, will become an AGI Partner, giving it strategic engagement with AGI governance and policy groups, with other qualifying organisations joining at Associate Level, providing access for all employees to AGI events, activities, and networks.

Alan Corbett, Head of Geospatial at the Scottish Government, commented, “We have taken the lead in facilitating unlimited membership of the AGI for Scottish PSGA qualifying organisations. This is an exciting opportunity with a view to delivering economic growth through future geospatial projects. It will promote collaborative working and knowledge exchange, support digital transformation by helping to reduce duplication, and build capacity in the Scottish geospatial community.”

Bruce Gittings, Chair of AGI Scotland, Senior Lecturer in Geographic Information at the University of Edinburgh, and recent winner of the AGI Geocommunity Champion Award, added, “Scotland leads the way in geospatial innovation within the UK and this agreement will allow greater integration and growth. It will also allow the AGI to truly represent the public sector and effectively connect to industry, commerce, and the third sector. We are committed to providing relevant events, mutual support, networking opportunities, and career development that are available and accessible to all.”

The UK-wide geospatial sector is valued at £6 billion per annum, a conservative estimate which excludes large multi-national technology companies. The sector employs nearly 40,000 people, and has attracted at least £1.2 billion in investment between 2013 and 2024. With 11 per cent of geospatial companies registered in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, this is a dynamic field which is poised to reshape industries and enhance public services.

Scotland is a hotbed of innovation, attracting global attention, and the Scottish Government is already responding proactively with its Inward Investment Plan focused on areas such as energy transition, transport decarbonisation, and the booming space industry – each dependent on geospatial data. The Scottish Space Strategy and the pioneering Space Sustainability Roadmap aim to make Scotland “Europe’s leading space nation” by 2030 and this focus on space is currently contributing an estimated £880 million to the country’s GVA (gross value added).

AGI Scotland is a national group of the AGI, focusing on the interests of the geographic information community in Scotland. In addition to representing member views, AGI Scotland actively works to provide development and networking opportunities to Scottish members. This is provided through an annual one-day event and regular seminars throughout the year.

Faith Clark – Editorial Contact, Spatially Aware, Tel: +44 (0) 1603 211691, [email protected]

The Association for Geographic Information – Tel: +44 (0)1489 668340, [email protected]

The Association for Geographic Information is an independent and impartial organisation that represents the UK geospatial sector. Working with members and the wider community, the Association successfully works alongside government policymakers, delivers professional development opportunities, and provides leadership for best practice across the industry. Established in 1989, members of the Association for Geographic Information enjoy unrivalled networking opportunities, a framework for learning new skills, and the support to progress professional development.