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October 24th, 2018
The Management Association of Private Photogrammetric Surveyors Announces Passage of the Geospatial Data Act (GDA)

Forest Hill, MD – MAPPS, the Association of geospatial firms, is honored to have been part of the cooperative efforts that facilitated the passage of the Geospatial Data Act (GDA). On behalf of MAPPS, I would like to sincerely thank Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Congressman Bruce Westerman (R-AR) for not only their sponsorship of this legislation but also for their leadership and commitment to see it through a complex legislative process and signed into law. Additionally, thank you to all the different associations and special interest groups that came together under a shared vision of elevating the work of geospatial professionals.

Thank you to Ed Cox, MAPPS Political Affairs Director who made a positive impact by active listening and collaborative problem solving within the geospatial community and still advocated for policies important to MAPPS. Lastly, I am grateful for the many MAPPS members who responded to our Call to Action by connecting with their representatives on Capitol Hill on this legislation.

Evidence that MAPPS made a difference in the legislative process has also come from many partners such as the two below:

“Thank you, and MAPPS, for everything you’ve done to advance the Geospatial Data Act and partnering with us on this effort.”  Vivian Moeglein, Chief of Staff, Congressman Bruce Westerman

“I just wanted to send you a quick note to say thanks for your partnership and cooperation to make the GDA a reality. Truly commend the MAPPS Board for your new direction with advocacy – it certainly paid off!” Molly Schar, Executive Director, National States Geographic Information Council (NSGIC)

MAPPS is alive and growing, and looking forward to the next legislative challenge and opportunity where we can support and serve the geospatial community.

Brian R. Raber, CMS, GISP, GLS

MAPPS President

About the Management Association of Private Photogrammetric Surveyors

MAPPS is exclusively a private sector organization focused on the needs of the membership by providing a forum for the mutual benefit of its members. It invites the participation of government employees, academicians, and technical papers only that directly support the objectives of MAPPS members. As a business association, MAPPS is dedicated to developing the growth and improving the bottom line profitability of its member firms. MAPPS provides valuable interaction with, but does not duplicate or compete with the technical programs of ACSM, ASPRS, URISA, GITA and other professional organizations. To learn more www.mapps.org