As geographic information systems and other location based technologies become more important in our everyday lives, there is a growing need and demand for improved coordination of geographic data and services in Wisconsin. Through a joint effort led by the Wisconsin Land Information Association (WLIA), a Wisconsin Statewide GIS Strategic Plan was created and published earlier this year. The number one goal identified in this plan is the creation of a statewide geographic information coordination body, the Wisconsin Geographic Information Coordination Council (WIGICC).
Over the next six weeks, ideas and feedback will be gathered at five different facilitated "Listening Sessions" around the state to develop the scope, composition, and structure of WIGICC.
It is envisioned that the Wisconsin Geographic Information Coordination Council will:
-
Properly represent the state's GIS stakeholder groups,
-
Be modeled on the successful aspects of coordination councils in other states,
-
Communicate statewide goals and programs to stakeholder groups,
-
Recommend policies for data standards, exchange, security, funding and services;
-
Serve as an advisory body to the state's Geographic Information Officer, Chief Information Officer, the Governor, and the Legislature,
-
Serve as a central point-of-contact for federal agencies.
To realize the vision of WIGICC and to help ensure its success, it is important for a wide range of people and groups to provide input into how WIGICC should be formed and structured. To gather your input, five sessions around the state have been scheduled as follows:
1) May 10, Madison, 1:00-4:30, WI Dept. of Agriculture Trade & Consumer Protection
2) May 23, Waukesha, 1:00-4:30, Ruekert-Mielke
3) May 30, Eau Claire, 1:00-4:30, Best Western Trail Lodge Hotel and Suites
4) May 31, Green Bay/Appleton, 8:30-noon, Paper Valley Radisson Hotel
5) June 4, Madison, 12:30-4:00, WI Dept. of Revenue, Events Room
You may RSVP by sending an email to this address:
gc_comments @ lists.wisc.edu
Additional information on the listening sessions and background regarding the council development program can be found at: http://www.sco.wisc.edu/wigicc/.
Return to Newsletter
