Association for Geographic Information Looks Forward to Geo Future

London, 05 April 2023 – The UK membership organisation for companies and individuals working in the geospatial sector, the Association for Geographic Information (AGI), is celebrating all things ‘geo’ with a well-received Annual General Meeting and a recently published Annual Report. Updating members on its mission to be at the heart of a thriving Geospatial Community, the AGI is reporting an increase in member numbers, driven by a new membership model which, for the first time, includes a free ‘Network’ member option, and more action working groups to strengthen the Association’s work on skills and education, sustainability, and diversity, inclusion and equality.

 The AGI is also delighted to announce a return of the hugely popular AGI Awards to celebrate achievements across the geospatial sector and the creation of a Strategic Advisory Committee, made up of past AGI Chairs, to retain and benefit from decades of experience, expertise and enthusiasm.

 “Geospatial technology and the data that drives it is an indisputable, albeit sometimes hidden, part of our lives,” commented Adam Burke, Chair of the Association of Geographic Information and presenter at the recent AGM. “Creative minds around the world are leveraging the power of geography to transform sectors, achieve goals and push boundaries – weaving the power of geographic information and geographic thinking into all we do as societies.

 “Working to our key pillars, we hope we have, and will continue to, support these minds in the UK, creating, connecting and nurturing thriving geospatial communities, supporting career and skills development and providing thought leadership to future generations.” 

 The recent AGI AGM was chaired by Honorary Secretary Morgan Commins who reviewed the minutes from last meeting and introduced the agenda and speakers for the online event. Alan Moore, Honorary Treasurer, then updated members on the Association’s finances which, despite the ongoing impacts of COVID and the challenges of the current economic crisis, were boosted with higher membership numbers and a return to in person events.

 Alan Burke, Chair of the AGI, opened his presentation with the Charles Darwin quote; “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most adaptable to change”, before reviewing the year including the hugely successful annual conference GeoCom. He went then on to review the activities of the Associations National Groups; AGI Scotland, Cymru and Northern Ireland, and Action Working Groups; AGI Early Careers, Standards and Skills and Education, with announcements of future events, webinars and industry reports.

 Thanks were given to the support the AGI receives from the volunteers who donate their valuable time as Council members to ensure the effective running of the Association, and to the partner organisations who strategically support the AGI. Additional thanks were awarded to Partner Members; Esri UK, His Majesty’s Land Registry, Ordnance Survey and Ordnance Survey NI, and finally to the 1,000 plus Network, Professional and Associate members.   

 A recording of the AGI AGM is available to AGI members via the online membership portal and the 2022 Year in Review report can also be downloaded from https://www.agi.org.uk/agi-review/

 About the Association for Geographic Information

The Association for Geographic Information is an independent and impartial organisation that represents the UK geospatial sector. Working with members and the wider community, the Association successfully influences government policy, delivers the highest quality of education and provides a lead for best practice across the industry. Established in 1990, members of the Association for Geographic Information enjoy unrivalled networking opportunities, a framework to learn new skills and the support to progress professional development. www.agi.org.uk