Minnesota GIS/LIS Consortium: Empowering Spatial Intelligence Across the North Star State

Are you a GIS or LIS professional in Minnesota? Looking for a community to connect with, share knowledge, and advance your skills? Look no further than the Minnesota GIS/LIS Consortium (MGIS/LIS)!

For over three decades, MGIS/LIS has been at the forefront of promoting the effective use of geographic information systems (GIS) and land information systems (LIS) in Minnesota. With over 1,000 members, including government agencies, businesses, nonprofits, and academic institutions, MGIS/LIS is the largest and most active GIS organization in the state.

Knowledge Exchange and Collaboration

One of the hallmarks of MGIS/LIS is its vibrant community of professionals. Through regular meetings, workshops, and conferences, members have ample opportunities to:

• Network with peers and build professional relationships
• Share best practices and learn about innovative use cases
• Gain insights from industry experts and leading researchers

MGIS/LIS also fosters collaboration through its specialized committees and workgroups, which focus on areas such as data sharing, workforce development, and policy advocacy.

Education and Professional Development

MGIS/LIS is committed to advancing the knowledge and skills of its members. The consortium offers a comprehensive range of educational programs, including:

• Certificate courses on GIS fundamentals and specialized topics
• Workshops on emerging technologies and applications
• Webinars on timely topics and best practices

MGIS/LIS also provides scholarships and awards to support students and early-career professionals in the GIS/LIS field.

Leadership and Advocacy

MGIS/LIS plays a vital role in shaping the future of GIS and LIS in Minnesota. The consortium advocates for policies that promote data sharing, open access, and the responsible use of geospatial information.

MGIS/LIS also collaborates with state and federal agencies to develop and implement GIS standards and guidelines. This ensures the consistency and interoperability of geospatial data across the state.

Value for Money

Membership in MGIS/LIS offers a wealth of benefits that far outweigh the modest annual dues. Members gain access to:

• Discounted registration for conferences and workshops
• Exclusive member-only resources and tools
• Opportunities to contribute to the advancement of GIS/LIS in Minnesota

Case Studies: The Power of Geospatial Intelligence

The MGIS/LIS community has made significant contributions to a wide range of industries and sectors in Minnesota. Here are just a few examples:

• Government: GIS is used for planning, zoning, emergency management, and environmental protection.
• Business: GIS helps businesses with site selection, market analysis, and customer relationship management.
• Nonprofit: GIS empowers nonprofits to visualize and analyze data related to social services, community development, and resource allocation.

The Future of GIS/LIS in Minnesota

As the world becomes increasingly data-driven, the demand for GIS and LIS professionals is expected to grow exponentially. MGIS/LIS is well-positioned to support the future of geospatial intelligence in Minnesota by:

• Promoting innovation and emerging technologies
• Developing a skilled workforce
• Advocating for responsible data use

Join the MGIS/LIS Community

If you are a GIS or LIS professional in Minnesota, or if you are interested in learning more about the field, we encourage you to join the MGIS/LIS Consortium. Your membership will help you connect with like-minded professionals, advance your career, and contribute to the future of geospatial intelligence in the North Star State.

Visit the MGIS/LIS website at www.mngislis.org to learn more and become a member.

Tables: Key Facts and Figures

Table 1: MGIS/LIS Membership

Table 2: MGIS/LIS Educational Programs

Table 3: MGIS/LIS Advocacy Initiatives

Table 4: MGIS/LIS Member Benefits