Geospatial organizations collaborate on credentialing efforts

Herndon, VA, March 24, 2015 — The United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF) has entered into information sharing memorandums with two geospatial-related professional organizations to further inform the Foundation’s Universal GEOINT Credentialing program. USGIF has signed a memorandum of understanding with the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS) and a memorandum of agreement with the GIS Certification Institute (GISCI).

“These memorandums are designed to continue to foster communication and provide a more formal mechanism for outreach between the organizations,” said Dr. Darryl Murdock, USGIF’s vice president of professional development. “A primary driver of these initiatives is to share information about our respective credentialing programs.”

USGIF is in the process of standing up its new Universal GEOINT Credentialing program, which it plans to beta test in June at the GEOINT 2015 Symposium and officially roll out in the fall. This in-depth credential will require knowledge of remote sensing and imagery analysis, GIS, data management, and synthesis/reporting. It is designed to allow geospatial professionals to distinguish themselves as internationally recognized practitioners.

ASPRS offers six certifications related to photogrammetry and remote sensing, while GISCI is known for its GIS Professional (GISP) certification.

“We are very pleased that we have entered into this relationship with USGIF as we are convinced it marks a continuing step in the geospatial evolution of our profession and industry,” said Bill Hodge, executive director of GISCI. “This agreement gives USGIF and GISCI the opportunity and means to continue our conversation to find a common ground in geospatial certification and credentialing as both efforts move forward in our respective organizations.”

The information sharing partnerships are also intended to help explore the possibility of reciprocity among existing geospatial credentials and those currently in development.

“ASPRS has a longstanding certification program in photogrammetry and in mapping sciences,” said Michael Hauck, executive director of ASPRS. “It makes sense for us to work with USGIF and its credentialing program to find alignment where we can. For both USGIF and ASPRS it’s about providing service to our members and the community at large.”

To learn more about USGIF’s Universal GEOINT Credentialing program, visit www.usgif.org.

About USGIF

USGIF is a nonprofit educational foundation dedicated to promoting the geospatial intelligence tradecraft and developing a stronger GEOINT Community with government, industry, academia, professional organizations, and individuals who develop and apply geospatial intelligence to address national security challenges. USGIF’s mission is to build the community, advance the tradecraft, and accelerate innovation.

For more information, please visit www.USGIF.org and follow USGIF on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

Contact:
Kristin Quinn
Publications & Communications Manager
United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation
703-793-0109, ext. 115
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