The California Geographic Information Association’s Community Forum (formerly known as the California GIS Council) is pleased to invite all members of the California GIS Community of Practice to attend the Overture Maps Forum on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. (Pacific Time) via Zoom.
Register to attend this virtual event at this link - https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/qmilfrD7Q-Sfdc-OUCkm0g After you register, the link to join the meeting will be emailed to you, and it will include a link to add the information to your calendar.
The CGIA Community Forum has long been focused on the status of California's Spatial Data Infrastructure. For this Forum, we invite you to learn about Overture Maps and the Overture Maps Foundation, which, according their website, is "A platform for bringing together tech companies, mapping organizations, government agencies, open data communities, and researchers to build open, reliable, and interoperable map data infrastructure."
"Overture is a collaborative open-data initiative led by software developers, data experts, cartographic engineers, and product managers from dozens of Overture Maps Foundation member companies. Since our launch in December 2022, Overture members have been working toward a shared vision: to create reliable, user-friendly, and interoperable open map data that supports both current and future map products. We envision a world where shared, open base layers drive collaboration and innovation across industries and communities.
To achieve this, Overture’s core contributors have been developing our common schema, datasets, platform, and system of unique, stable IDs known as GERS. Member companies contribute data and engineering expertise to enable the creation of global datasets that are accurate, comprehensive, and regularly updated to reflect changes in the world. By combining multiple data sources and fostering cross-company collaboration, we are able to achieve results no single organization could accomplish alone." https://overturemaps.org/
The first hour of this Forum will feature talks by our special guests listed below.
Will Mortenson, Executive Director for Overture Maps
Ryan Lopez, Senior IT Analyst, Fresno County Public Works (Overture Maps Member)
Steven Moore, Senior GIS Engineer, Esri (Overture Maps Member)
The remaining half-hour will be open for questions and conversation. This presentations will be recorded and posted, along with meeting notes, on the CGIA website as few days after the event.
Will Mortenson is the Executive Director of the Overture Maps Foundation and a transformational leader with over 25 years of experience driving innovation across federal, military, and geospatial organizations. Prior to joining Overture, he served as Director of the Office of Geography at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), where he led modernization efforts powered by AI, machine learning, and emerging technologies. Will has consistently turned strategic vision into operational results, leading automation initiatives, strengthening workforce capabilities, and building cross-sector partnerships. His previous roles include Senior GEOINT Authority for Human Geography and Cartography, Deputy Director of NGA’s Office of Geography, and Director of the Joint PED Operations Center at U.S. Customs and Border Protection. He holds a Doctor of Organizational Leadership, a Master of Strategic Studies, and a Master of Criminal Justice, and is known for aligning people, processes, and technology to deliver lasting organizational impact.
Ryan Lopez is a seasoned GIS professional leading Fresno County Department of Public Works & Planning’s geospatial initiatives, where he oversees data strategy, integration, and innovative mapping solutions. With over a decade of experience in public-sector GIS, Ryan Lopez has championed open-data collaborations that enhance transparency and community engagement. He played a key role in forging Fresno County’s partnership with the Overture Maps Foundation, developing workflows that ensure data accuracy and interoperability. Ryan Lopez is passionate about harnessing geospatial technology to drive innovation, streamline government services, and empower broader access to reliable mapping data.
Check back for Steve Moore's bio!
Questions about this event may be directed to CGIA Board Member Jane.Schafer-Kramer@water.ca.gov.