MAPPS (www.mapps.org), the only national association for private geospatial firms will host a Washington Policy Luncheon on Thursday, February 23 in Washington, D.C. during the Esri federal user conference. The forum will focus on the recently released FAA Advisory Circular "Standards for Using Remote Sensing Technologies in Airport Surveys” (AC 150/5300-17C). Mike McNerney, Ph.D., P.E. of the FAA is the featured speaker.

Dr. McNerney will discuss the opportunities available for private sector geospatial firms for airport survey contracting. This is an opportunity for private sector firms to gain knowledge on the specific geospatial data, including LiDAR, the FAA is seeking to collect through the airport GIS surveys. He will also discuss the implementation process for the circular and the eligibility of airports to receive grants through the Airport Improvement Program (AIP). Dr. McNerney will also review the data verification process for the airport GIS program.

"This is a very timely forum for private firms to understand how their capabilities can be utilized to upgrade GIS for the nation’s airports and learn about their clients’ eligibility for AIP grants,” said John Palatiello, MAPPS Executive Director. "We hope private firms that are interested in competing for these contracts that will be in Washington D.C. and attend the event.”

The MAPPS Federal Policy Luncheon will take place at 12:00 Noon at the City Club of Washington at Columbia Square, 555 13th Street, NW, Washington,D.C. Advanced registration is required. The fee is $65.00 for MAPPS members and $80.00 for non-members. Lunch will be included. To register, please visit www.mapps.org.

About MAPPS

Formed in 1982, MAPPS is the only national association exclusively comprised of private firms in the remote sensing, spatial data and geographic information systems field in the United States. The MAPPS membership spans the entire spectrum of the geospatial community, including Member Firms engaged in satellite and airborne remote sensing, surveying, photogrammetry, aerial photography, mobile mapping, LIDAR, building information models (BIM), 3D mapping, hydrography, bathymetry, charting, aerial and satellite image processing, GPS, and GIS data collection and conversion services. MAPPS also includes Associate Member Firms, which are companies that provide hardware, software, products and services to the geospatial profession in the United States and other firms from around the world. Independent Consultant Members are sole proprietors engaged in consulting in or to the geospatial profession, or provides a consulting service of interest to the geospatial profession.

MAPPS provides its 180+ member firms opportunities for networking and developing business-to-business relationships, information sharing, education, public policy advocacy, market growth, and professional development and image enhancement.

For more information on MAPPS, please visit www.MAPPS.org.