• Open Source GIS for Addressing - Free and open source software (FOSS) has been offering choices to computer users for a number of years. Over the past few years the open source choices in GIS have been broader and more capable than ever before. This URISA Certified Workshop will focus on GIS open source software. It will give an overview of current developments from technical and management perspectives. Selected packages and their applications in various projects will be demonstrated and discussed.

• Addresses: Key to GIS Success - Street addresses are the key, user-friendly geospatial identifier used by everyone, but addressing processes are usually poorly organized at the local level. This workshop will help you understand the address assignment process, address reference systems, managing address data, and organizational challenges. It will guide you in developing a Master Address Repository that serves the needs of the entire organization. The workshop will also review (briefly) the new draft Federal Geographic Data Committee Street Address Data Standard, and help you understand how the standard can help you build quality address data.

• Introduction to NG 911 - Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a major aspect of Next Generation 9-1-1. This NENA Workshop is intended to introduce GIS, 9-1-1, and others on the concepts and principals of Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1). NG9-1-1 is a paradigm shift that will require close communication between all levels of local, regional, and state government to create complete, current, and efficient GIS data for local entities. The same high quality GIS data can be used by all governmental entities allowing for cost and data sharing across the enterprise. In an informative, entertaining, and easy to understand pace, this workshop will review the data development required for address and other data refinement needed for NG9-1-1.

The Program Committee organized an educational program based upon abstracts submitted through a Call for Participation and organized according to these topics:

• Adventures in Addressing - The development and maintenance of an understandable and consistent addressing system is a complex process. Addresses are used for locating a home, mail delivery, utilities, voting, allocation of local, state, and federal funds, and emergency response. It is one thing if the pizza delivery has difficulty locating an address, but with emergency response a life may be on the line. Disparate addressing practices, poor address quality, funding, and lack of understanding all lead to poor addressing. The sessions in this program track will outline key issues, solutions, and best practices related to good addressing, while sharing insights, tips, and lessons learned.

• E-911: It's All About Location - Accurate locations are paramount to getting the right emergency responders to the correct location in a quick and efficient manner. Errors and discrepancies exist in all data and must be minimized for public safety and emergency response. The same data used by 9-1-1 and emergency response can be used by many others throughout the enterprise. This track will showcase lessons learned and best practices for addressing for public safety usable by everyone.

• Addressing Strategies for Success - Many public and private entities can benefit from a well-conceived addressing system that involves cooperation, sharing of resources, and forming alliances. The addressing system must be easily understood, accepted and used by everyone. Any successful addressing system must include the cooperation of all stakeholders and the United States Postal Service (USPS). A strong maintenance program is also essential for maintaining the integrity of the addressing system. This track will cover case studies, best practice solutions, and training for the establishment and maintenance of a successful addressing strategy.

Exhibits and Sponsorships - Sponsorship and exhibit opportunities are detailed online.

Program Details and Registration - Visit the conference website for program details and registration information and be sure to take advantage of discounted registration fees available until July 9.

Conference Site – Charlotte is vibrant, affordable and easy to get to! Conference attendees will enjoy a multitude of activities right outside the Westin’s front door.