1.6. GIS Communities

        A GIS community is a community of users who are connected by the common interest in visualizing and analysing spatial information. Members of this community are commonly cartographers, geographic information system professionals, surveyors, scientists, academics, and those whose work has a geographic component. Members of the geographical information community network with one another primarily to gain knowledge about where to find geographic data and to gain insight in different analytical and mapping tools.  This type of information seeking behaviours makes this a focused information community. Members of this information community take advantage of internet to share and disseminate information, collaborate, and network.  The internet offers a cost-effective way of linking together distributed users known as GIS groups or GIS communities. Joining a GIS community is a great way to network and to exchange ideas. There is a growing number of non-profit and industry specific groups to choose from. Few such communities are listed below.

The Open-Source Geospatial Foundation

            The Open Source Geospatial Foundation (OSGeo) was created to support the collaborative development of open source geospatial software and promote its widespread use. The foundation provides financial, organizational, and legal support to the open source geospatial community. It also serves as an independent legal entity to which community members can contribute code, funds, and other resources. OSGeo also serves as an outreach and advocacy organization for the open source geospatial community and provides a common forum and shared infrastructure for improving cross-project collaboration. 

To know more, vist https://www.osgeo.org/

Canadian GeoSecretariat

            The Canadian GeoSecretariat, brings together producers and users of geospatial information from across Canada's geomatics and earth observation sector, including industry, academia, professional associations, government, and non-government organizations. The role of the GeoSecretariat is to foster cooperation between these groups to collaboratively build the standards, data layers, systems and technologies that comprise the Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure (CGDI). 

To know more, visit https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/earth-sciences/geomatics/canadas-spatial-data-infrastructure/geospatial-communities-and-canadian-geosecretariat/8900

Vancouver GIS Users Group

            The Vancouver GIS Users Group is a group of GIS professionals using geographic information systems for spatial data management, analysis, and visualization. Formed to facilitate communication between people working in all areas of GIS, the users group meets monthly to allow its members to, learn more about current activities and technologies within the industry and to network with their peers.

To know more, visit http://www.vancouvergis.org/

AAG GIS

            GIS speciality group of the American Association of Geographers. The objective of this community are, 

  • Promote the exchange of ideas and information relating to GIS. 
  • Promote GIS research.
  • Improve the understanding of the proper application of GIS procedures. and,
  • Develop materials and promote activities needed to improve the teaching of GIS concepts.
    To know more, visit http://aag-giss.org/

CaGIS

            The Cartography and Geographic Information Society (CaGIS) is composed of educators, researchers and practitioners involved in the design, creation, use and dissemination of geographic information. CaGIS provides an effective network that connects professionals who work in the broad field of Cartography and Geographic Information Science both nationally and internationally.

To know more, visit https://cartogis.org/

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