MAPPS Secures Role in FAA Beyond Visual Line of Sight UAS Committee

The MAPPS—the national association representing private-sector geospatial firms—has been appointed to participate in a Federal Aviation Administration working group focused on unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Within this body, MAPPS serves as the sole voice for the geospatial, aerial survey, and remote sensing industries.

Representing the association on the committee is Executive Director John Palatiello, who emphasized the readiness of the private geospatial sector to deploy unmanned aerial systems for commercial data collection and mapping applications. He noted that member firms bring decades of operational aviation experience and a deep understanding of safety protocols within the national airspace system. According to Palatiello, integrating UAS technology presents significant opportunities to expand geospatial data services that support public and commercial needs across the United States.

FAA Aviation Rulemaking Committee Focused on BVLOS Operations

The appointment places MAPPS within the Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) user working group established by the Federal Aviation Administration. The committee’s mandate is to provide structured input from current and prospective UAS users regarding short-, medium-, and long-term considerations for integrating unmanned aircraft into the national airspace system.

The ARC is jointly chaired by Michael Toscano of Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International, Melissa Rudinger of Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, and Mark Reed of Air Line Pilots Association. FAA officials have indicated that the working group brings together stakeholders from a broad cross-section of industries expected to leverage UAS technology, including agriculture, mapping, energy, public safety, logistics, photography, and communications.

Geospatial Industry Expertise in UAS Integration

MAPPS’ inclusion ensures that technical perspectives from aerial surveying, remote sensing, photogrammetry, LiDAR, hydrography, and GIS data acquisition are directly represented during regulatory discussions. The geospatial sector’s longstanding operational history with crewed aircraft provides institutional knowledge relevant to safety management, risk mitigation, and responsible adoption of new aviation technologies.

Through participation in the BVLOS working group, MAPPS aims to contribute practical insights into how unmanned systems can safely expand mapping and spatial data capabilities while maintaining the integrity of the national airspace.

Leadership Background of John Palatiello

John Palatiello has led MAPPS as Executive Director since 1987. Over the course of his career, he has served as an original member of the federal government’s National Geospatial Advisory Committee and currently holds a position on the Virginia Geographic Information Network Advisory Board.

In addition to his work with MAPPS, Palatiello is president of John M. Palatiello & Associates, Inc., a consulting firm specializing in association management and public affairs. His portfolio includes national government affairs consulting for the National Society of Professional Surveyors, executive leadership for the Maryland Society of Surveyors, and administration of the Council on Federal Procurement of Architectural & Engineering Services. He has also been recognized by Directions Magazine as one of the ten most influential individuals in the geospatial sector.

About MAPPS

Established in 1982, MAPPS is the only national organization exclusively representing private companies operating within the remote sensing, spatial data, and geographic information systems (GIS) disciplines in the United States. Its membership reflects the full spectrum of geospatial services, encompassing satellite and airborne remote sensing, surveying, aerial photography, photogrammetry, LiDAR, hydrography, bathymetry, chart production, GPS services, image processing, and GIS data conversion.

The association also includes Associate Member Firms that provide technology products, hardware, software, and services supporting the geospatial profession, as well as Independent Consultant Members offering specialized advisory expertise.

Through networking initiatives, policy advocacy, educational programming, and business development support, MAPPS advances market growth and professional standards across the geospatial industry while strengthening collaboration among private-sector firms.