GISCI Welcomes GLIS as Newest Member Organization
The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) has announced that the Geographic Land and Information Society (GLIS) is the newest organization to join its membership. The two groups formalized their relationship through a Memorandum of Understanding, integrating GLIS into the broader GISCI governance structure.
As part of the agreement, GLIS will appoint two representatives to serve on GISCI’s 10-member board, expanding leadership perspectives within the certification body.
A Shared Vision for the Geospatial Profession
Founded in 1992 and incorporated in 1993, GLIS operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The society promotes inclusivity within the geospatial industry, offering membership to individuals and organizations regardless of career stage or specific professional focus.
GLIS’s mission centers on advancing the responsible application of surveying and mapping technologies in the development and management of geographic and land information systems. Its vision is to create a unified professional community that bridges surveying, mapping, and geospatial technology disciplines. This inclusive philosophy aligns closely with the collaborative objectives of GISCI and its member organizations.
GLIS aims to position itself as a national leader in survey-related GIS matters, cultivate partnerships with other geospatial associations, and provide educational and professional development opportunities for practitioners across the industry. Flexibility in responding to technological advancement and evolving member interests remains a core principle of the organization.
Enhancing Certification Through Broader Representation
According to Mike Vanhook, President of GISCI, GLIS brings valuable insight into the integration of surveying and GIS practices. He noted that understanding how these complementary capabilities intersect strengthens professional standards across the industry. In particular, GLIS’s participation is expected to contribute meaningfully to the development of a fair, inclusive and comprehensive certification examination.
When evaluating prospective member organizations, GISCI considers several criteria: alignment with its mission, the ability to contribute a distinct industry perspective, commitment to equitable and accessible professional standards, support for a unified certification framework, and the capacity to engage new segments of the geospatial community. GLIS met each of these requirements as outlined in GISCI’s bylaws.
About GISCI
The GIS Certification Institute provides a structured certification pathway for professionals working in geographic information systems. Through its credentialing program, GISCI supports career development from entry-level practitioners to seasoned experts. The institute is currently expanding its certification framework with the introduction of an examination component for the GISP credential, scheduled for implementation in early 2015.
To date, GISCI has certified more than 5,200 GISPs worldwide. Its member organizations include the Association of American Geographers (AAG), Geospatial Information and Technology Association (GITA), National States Geographic Information Council (NSGIC), University Consortium for Geographic Information Science (UCGIS), and Urban and Regional Information Systems Association (URISA).
By welcoming GLIS into its organizational framework, GISCI reinforces its commitment to strengthening professional standards and fostering collaboration across surveying, mapping and geospatial technology communities.
