Connecting Regional GIS Communities
Regional GIS user groups play an important role in strengthening professional networks, supporting collaboration, and advancing spatial data practices at the local level. Below is an overview of several active user communities across the United States and Australia.
Alabama User Group
Primary Contact: John Halbert
The Alabama User Group brings together GIS professionals and spatial data practitioners from across the state. The network is closely tied to Jefferson County’s information services infrastructure, providing a structured foundation for regional collaboration. Members represent a mix of public sector agencies, private firms, and technical specialists working in mapping, spatial analysis, and geospatial data management.
Alaska User Group
Primary Contact: Ken Hilfiker
The Alaska User Group serves GIS users statewide, with strong connections to municipal public works operations in Anchorage. The group supports collaboration among mapping professionals, data managers, and analysts addressing Alaska’s unique geographic and environmental challenges. By fostering knowledge exchange across agencies and organizations, the network helps strengthen spatial data initiatives throughout the region.
Albany User Group
The Albany-area GIS community is coordinated through Applied GIS, Inc., providing a professional forum for geospatial practitioners in New York’s Capital Region. The group offers opportunities for networking, information sharing, and discussion of evolving GIS technologies and applications relevant to both public and private sector organizations.
Alice Springs GIS/RS User Group
The Alice Springs GIS and Remote Sensing User Group supports professionals engaged in spatial technologies across Central Australia. Operating under the coordination of the Northern Territory Government, the group welcomes participation from both public sector agencies and private industry representatives.
Membership remains open to new participants, including invited guest speakers. Quarterly meetings are held at rotating venues throughout Alice Springs, encouraging broad engagement and facilitating collaboration among GIS and remote sensing professionals in the region.
These user groups exemplify how regional networks contribute to professional development, technical exchange, and the continued growth of the geospatial community.
