GIS & AI Webinar 2 – AI Skills, Workforce, and Training/Learning

Thank you to all of you who attended the second webinar in our GIS & AI series. If you missed it, the recording is available below, as well as slides from our presenters!https://youtu.be/07z29mXFaLM?si=Odw8bXEeTfjYBYQ9Presentation 12_1-DDRichards_Esri Training for AI ReadinessDD Richards is a Senior Consultant at Esri specializing in Learning and Skills Development, where she helps individuals and organizations build the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to succeed with GIS. Based at Esri headquarters in Redlands, California, DD has been with Esri for two years, partnering with customers [...]

2026 CGIA Awards – deadline extension 5/29!

We have extended our deadline to submit CGIA Award nominations for the 2026 CGIA Awards!Nomination Categories: 1. Excellence and Innovation: For groundbreaking achievements in GIS technology.2. Coordination and Collaboration: Celebrating successful partnerships in the GIS community.3. Student: Spotlighting emerging talent from the next generation of GIS professionals.4. Teaching: Honoring educators and mentors inspiring the next GIS leaders.5. Mapping and Visualization: Recognizing creativity in map design and data visualization.Important Dates:Nominations open now until May 29, 2026. Be part [...]

LA28 is looking for a Manager, GIS and Venue Security Design

Manager, GIS and Venue Security DesignLos Angeles, California, United StatesLA28 does not provide relocation assistance.LA28 is the independent, non-profit, privately funded organizing committee for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. We are on a singular mission to create an Olympic and Paralympic Games that celebrate all that this city and country have to offer, delivering an unparalleled experience for athletes, fans, partners and our community. The 2028 Games mark the return of the Summer Games to the U.S. for the first time in 32 years and Los Angeles’ third time [...]

North State GIS Spring Picnic Potluck

Join the North State GIS community for a spring gathering on Saturday, May 9, 11 am to 1 pm in Redding, CA. Details and RSVP link may be found Colleagues, friends, students, and partners are invited to come together in a relaxed, outdoor setting to connect, share good food, and enjoy one another’s company. This casual picnic in the park is an opportunity to celebrate our shared work, friendships, and the many transitions that come with a new season—including marking an important career milestone for one of our own, the soon-to-be retired of . Bring something to share if you’re able, and feel free [...]

Join the CGIA Board of Directors: 2026 Nominations are now open!

We are delighted to announce that the California Geographic Information Association (CGIA) has officially opened the nominations period for next year's Board of Directors! This is an exciting opportunity for passionate geospatial professionals to shape the future of our organization, advocate for our profession, and connect with other like-minded individuals.Why Join the CGIA Board?Being part of the CGIA Board of Directors is not just about fulfilling a role; it's about making a difference. As a board member, you will have the chance to:Shape the Organization: Influence the direction and initiatives [...]

Member Spotlight: Jane Schafer-Kramer

Jane Schafer-Kramer is a Geographic Data Specialist with the California Department of Water Resources, where she leads the national hydrography data stewardship program. Her journey into GIS wasn’t exactly linear—she began her career at DWR in a clerical role and, driven by curiosity and determination, took night classes at American River College to learn GIS. In midlife she pivoted from a role as an Executive Secretary to a Research Data Analyst, processing geospatial data for the hydrologic engineers. Jane is an active member of the geospatial community. She’s been involved with the Geospatial Professional Network (formerly URISA), served on CalGIS planning committees, and […]

Sustaining Member Spotlight: Shasta College GIS

Shasta College's GIS Program is the state’s longest running community college program north of Sacramento. The foundation courses were developed to support the retraining of laid off timber workers in the mid-1990s. By the end of the decade the addition of several courses allowed for the creation of a GIS Certificate, which has been continuously offered for almost 30 years. Over the years, of course, there have been many changes. The program transitioned from ArcView to ArcMap and later to ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, Field Maps and peripheral apps. The GIS Program has always worked closely with government, industry and […]

CGIA Awards Winners 2025

Thank you to everyone who joined CGIA at our annual Awards celebration at the Esri User Conference last week! It was a pleasure to spend time with so many members and friends. We collected on Tuesday evening at Revel Revel with an evening of snacks, drinks, awards, and networking, with thanks to ParcelQuest for their additional sponsorship. This year, we presented awards to four lucky winners: Next year is a long way off, but we'll look forward to seeing everybody again! We've shared some pictures from the event below.

New CGIA Publication – Cautions to Geospatial Professionals

CGIA is proud to announce the publication of a document to help protect the California geospatial community, Cautions to Geospatial Professionals, in context of California statutes defining the Practice of Surveying.

This document provides carefully researched guidance and insight for geospatial professionals navigating the complex landscape of California statutes defining the practice of surveying.

Introducing the CGIA Shop

Have you been at an event recently where you bumped into CGIA board members wearing beautiful CGIA t-shirts? There's a picture below of our outgoing and incoming Chairs, Roland and Tracy, sporting them at the Los Angeles Geospatial Summit a few months back. They're a bargain, made with thick cotton, and starting at just $15 including shipping. As you can see, they're currently available in blue or green. Black (not shown) is also an option. Do you want your own? Of course you do! We're hoping to be able to offer them on sale at future in-person events, but for […]

CGIA on Film

We recently showcased the CGIA YouTube channel, but have you seen our wonderful video showcasing the good work done by CGIA? Maybe you saw it on the front page of our website already? It should give you a bit of a feel for what CGIA does and why you might want to consider joining as a member or contributing to the work that we do. Here's a longer version, if you have a minute or so more to spend: https://youtu.be/9eFF5WTfyTg.

About CGIA

California Geographic Information Association (CGIA) is a non-profit, statewide association formed in 1994 to facilitate coordination, collaboration, and advocacy for California’s Geographic Information System (GIS) community. CGIA promotes the creation and maintenance of the best practices in the governance and application of geographic information within the State of California that can become a model for the nation.

Learn more…

GIS & AI Webinar 2 – AI Skills, Workforce, and Training/Learning

Thank you to all of you who attended the second webinar in our GIS & AI series. If you missed…

May 11, 2026

2026 CGIA Awards – deadline extension 5/29!

We have extended our deadline to submit CGIA Award nominations for the 2026 CGIA Awards! Submit nominations here. Nomination Categories:…

May 5, 2026

LA28 is looking for a Manager, GIS and Venue Security Design

Manager, GIS and Venue Security Design Los Angeles, California, United States LA28 does not provide relocation assistance. LA28 is the…

May 1, 2026

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Sustaining Members

Initiatives

Spatial Data Infrastructure Map

CGIA has launched an initiative to provide California with a comprehensive picture of our state's Spatial Data Infrastructure

CGIA Awards

CGIA recognizes outstanding achievements in various aspects of geospatial technologies within California through its annual awards program, commemorating excellence in Geographic Information across the Golden State.

Events

CGIA hosts webinars, brown bag lunch series and general membership meetings.

Submit an Event

California GIS Contact Map

View a map of GIS contacts throughout California. Perfect for networking!

Become a CGIA Member

We are GIS professionals, students, educators and nonprofits. Join CGIA and gain access to job updates, networking events, annual awards programs, discounted conference registrations and more. As a CGIA member you have the opportunity to participate in the shaping of GIS industry standards, best practices and legislation affecting California and the nation.