Georgia Geospatial Conference

10:30am-11:15am
A Geospatial Network and Geospatial Information Office for Georgia: Terry Jackson
During October 2013, the Georgia Technology Authority empanelled an inter-agency Geographic Information Office (GIO) Task Force for the purpose of identifying the need for and resources to sustainably establish such an entity for the State of Georgia. In May 2014 the Georgia Regional Commissions provided the solution by establishing a Georgia Regional Commission Geospatial Network with an associated Geospatial Information Office that coordinates and partners with local governments, state government, and other partners. This was bolstered by a supporting grant from the US Economic Development Administration. A Geospatial Executive Council, consisting of the funding partners, governs the operations of the Network. This new framework has the potential to be transformative, particularly from a service delivery standpoint whereby RCs, in conjunction with a GIO, working with state agency and other partners, have the potential to serve a key role in the collection, aggregation, creation and standardization of geospatial data and services.

11:15am-12:00pm
GIS Certification: To certify or not to certify: Tripp Corbin 
In this economy, GIS Professionals and practitioners are looking for ways to build their resumes to increase their chance of getting a job or to win projects. One of the ways to do this is with certifications. But which certification should they get? Do they actually provide any benefit? What does it take to earn one? This presentation will try to help answer many of those questions.