COGO’s 2026 National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) Assessment Survey

The Coalition of Geospatial Organizations (COGO), of which NSGIC is a Member Organization, has prepared an whose results will be important input for drafting the next National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) Assessment report. The NSDI Assessment is a key organizational product that COGO produces every four years and extra thoughtful attention has gone into this survey's design and production. We expect the final Assessment document, with an anticipated publication date of September 2027, to serve as an impactful and widely-referenced document. The survey will be open until June 19.The link [...]

Member Spotlight: Dr. Kostas Alexandridis

Dr. Kostas Alexandridis (PhD, GISP) is a distinguished scientist whose work has made significant contributions to the fields of geospatial and geographic information sciences, spatial complex systems, artificial intelligence and machine learning, digital twin, and digital transformation technologies. Based in Orange County, California, Dr. Alexandridis is renowned for his dynamic approach to solving complex problems and advancing knowledge through innovative methodologies and interdisciplinary collaboration. He is currently serving as a GIS Analyst/Spatial Complex Systems Scientist at the County [...]

NorCal Members Connect at River Cats Game

CGIA members gathered for a lively NorCal meetup at the Sacramento River Cats game, bringing together a great mix of familiar faces and new connections for an afternoon of baseball and community-building.Thank you to everyone who joined us—we’re looking forward to more in-person events in both NorCal and SoCal soon!If you have a local GIS event, CGIA would be happy to sponsor! Please fill out to request funds from CGIA. Amounts up to $100 will be reviewed by the CGIA treasurer. Amounts greater than $100 will be voted on by the CGIA Board.Requests are reviewed on a rolling [...]

National Spatial Data Infrastructure Assessment Survey-Open until 6/15/26

On behalf of the Coalition of Geospatial Organizations (COGO), 2027 NSDI Assessment Steering CommitteeInvitation to Provide FeedbackThe COGO Steering Committee has developed an online survey whose results will provide important input for the next National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) Assessment report. By gathering responses from as broad a cross-section of the U.S. geospatial community as possible, the Committee gains valuable information to guide its efforts to advance and support the NSDI—COGO’s primary objective for its Assessment work.The survey will be open until the week of June 15.The [...]

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 [...]

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…

COGO’s 2026 National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) Assessment Survey

The Coalition of Geospatial Organizations (COGO), of which NSGIC is a Member Organization, has prepared an online survey whose results will be…

May 22, 2026

Member Spotlight: Dr. Kostas Alexandridis

Dr. Kostas Alexandridis (PhD, GISP) is a distinguished scientist whose work has made significant contributions to the fields of geospatial…

May 20, 2026

NorCal Members Connect at River Cats Game

CGIA members gathered for a lively NorCal meetup at the Sacramento River Cats game, bringing together a great mix of…

May 15, 2026

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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.

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

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California GIS Contact Map

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

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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.