MAPPS Winter Conference 2014 to Address Technology, Policy, and Market Growth

The MAPPS association has unveiled the agenda for its 2014 Winter Conference, scheduled for February 9–13 at The Lodge at Torrey Pines. Designed specifically for principals, owners, partners, and senior executives within private-sector geospatial firms, the event will concentrate on the technological, regulatory, operational, and workforce challenges shaping the industry.

Strategic Focus on Emerging Technologies

Rapid innovation remains a defining force in the geospatial marketplace. The conference program places significant emphasis on advancements such as Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAVs), next-generation sensor platforms, modern data processing software, streaming LiDAR workflows, oblique and 3D mapping solutions, and new image processing methodologies.

Participants will also explore developments in point cloud generation technologies and software-driven analysis fusion initiatives. By examining these tools through a management and business lens, the sessions aim to help firm leaders understand not only technical capabilities but also their strategic implications for competitiveness and growth.

Regulatory and Policy Considerations

In parallel with technological evolution, regulatory frameworks continue to influence business strategy. The agenda includes discussions on federal privacy requirements, intellectual property licensing, and emerging labor and unionization concerns. These topics reflect ongoing pressures that geospatial executives must navigate when delivering data services in both public and private markets.

Federal agency engagement forms another key component of the program. Representatives from NOAA Coastal Services Center will present updates on the Digital Coast initiative, while officials from U.S. Geological Survey will address the 3-Dimensional Elevation Program (3DEP). Additional briefings will cover federal demand for authoritative address data, as well as international market opportunities for U.S.-based firms.

Business Development and Executive Leadership

A central objective of the Winter Conference is to equip senior leaders with actionable insight into market expansion and operational excellence. According to Mike Tully of Aerial Services Inc., who chairs the MAPPS Program Committee and serves on the association’s Board of Directors, the event is structured to deliver practical understanding of how evolving technologies, legislation, and market forces affect private geospatial enterprises.

Sessions will also address productivity strategies for executives and best practices in business development—longstanding pillars of MAPPS programming. The emphasis is not solely on technical trends but on how those trends translate into measurable commercial advantage.

Networking and Partnership Development

Beyond formal presentations, the conference integrates structured networking opportunities intended to foster collaboration among member firms. Relationship-building has traditionally been a defining feature of MAPPS gatherings, enabling teaming arrangements and joint ventures that expand project capabilities.

John Palatiello, MAPPS Executive Director, highlighted the organization’s reputation as a forum for professional dialogue and partnership formation within the geospatial profession.

Industry Recognition and Membership Incentives

During the conference, MAPPS will present the 2013 Geospatial Products and Services Excellence Awards, which were previously postponed due to the federal government shutdown. The awards ceremony recognizes outstanding achievement and innovation across the industry.

To encourage broader participation, MAPPS is offering a membership incentive for non-member firms attending the event. Companies registering at the non-member rate may apply the price difference toward 2014 membership dues if they join before the conclusion of the conference on February 13. This structure effectively represents a 56% credit toward annual membership costs.

About MAPPS

Founded in 1982, MAPPS remains the only national trade association composed exclusively of private firms operating within the remote sensing, spatial data, and geographic information systems (GIS) sectors in the United States. Its membership spans satellite and airborne remote sensing, surveying, photogrammetry, aerial photography, LiDAR, hydrography, bathymetry, cartography, GPS services, and GIS data processing and conversion.

In addition to Member Firms, MAPPS includes Associate Members supplying hardware, software, and related services to the geospatial profession, along with Independent Consultant Members offering specialized advisory expertise.

Through advocacy, education, networking, and market development initiatives, MAPPS supports professional growth and business expansion while advancing the collective interests of the private geospatial community.