A Journey Through Three Decades of Collaborative Activities
From its founding in 1994, California Geographic Information Association (CGIA) has been a key champion for collaboration and advocacy in geographic information. As we celebrate our thirtieth anniversary, this seems a perfect time to look back at everything we have achieved over the organization’s history.
The Early Years: Laying the Foundations
In 1994, a group of visionary GIS professionals came together to form CGIA with the mission of promoting the effective use of geographic information in California. These early pioneers recognized the transformative potential of GIS technology and set out to create a community where knowledge could be shared, and best practices could be developed.
Milestones and Achievements
Over the past thirty years, CGIA has reached numerous milestones and achieved significant accomplishments, including:
- 1998: Establishment of the CGIA Awards program, recognizing outstanding contributions to the geospatial community in California.
- 2006: Development of the California Geospatial Framework Data Draft Plan, in partnership with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and California Resources Agency, with funding from the USGS and Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC).
- 2008: Development of the California Digital Imagery (CDI) Business Plan and Best Practices Report, in partnership with the US Geological Survey, the California Resources Agency, and the California GIS Council.
- 2024: Launch of the California SDI Map, helping to collect information about key spatial datasets across the state.
Key Initiatives
CGIA has been involved in numerous impactful initiatives over the years. Here are a few highlights:
- Metadata training: in the early 2000s, CGIA received a grant to support the delivery of metadata training, with workshops held across the state.
- Advocating for the establishment of the State Geographic Information Officer (GIO): CGIA participated on the Governor’s GIS Task Force and secured funding from the state to support the hiring of the first State GIO, Mike Byrne, in March 2009.
Voices from the Community
To truly capture the spirit of CGIA, we reached out to some of our members to share the CGIA resources that they see as giving the most value. Here are a sample of their responses:
- “The most valuable aspect of being part of CGIA is the incredible opportunity to connect and collaborate with fellow GIS professionals.”
- “I find it valuable to receive regular summaries on geospatial topics specific to California, including data sources, updates, policy changes, and relevant events.”
- “I’m keen on engaging in discussions about data sharing agreements and data standards.”
- “CGIA’s unique strength lies in its focus on policy. With the integration of the former California GIS Council, this role is becoming ever more crucial.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of CGIA
As we celebrate this milestone, we also look to the future with excitement and optimism. CGIA remains committed to advancing geospatial technology, fostering collaboration, professional development, and the best interests of our profession. We envision a future where geospatial technologies continue to play a crucial role in addressing the challenges and opportunities facing California.
Join the Celebration
Thank you for being a part of the CGIA community. Your support and engagement have been the driving force behind our success. Here’s to the next thirty years of geographic information excellence in California!
If you’re not already a member, please join CGIA here. Your membership will help us to continue to build a collaborative community of geospatial professionals, advocating for the best interests of our profession and funding initiatives to grow geospatial influence across the state. If you would like to join the board, we invite members to start by joining a standing committee.