April 16, 2009 -- The British Cartographic Society (BCS) Symposium 2009, the largest conference in the UK devoted to mapping, will be held June 17-20 at Newport Pagnell near Milton Keynes. The conference draws over 100 mapmakers and users from across the UK who come together to learn, collaborate, and discover the latest developments in mapmaking technology.

“This three day residential conference is designed to support everyone involved in all aspects of mapmaking regardless of their industry or level of experience. Map users are encouraged to attend this enlightening and inspiring event designed around this year’s theme: “Mapping at Work”, comments Bob Lilley, President of The British Cartographic Society.

The conference, now in its 46th year, combines topical presentations from mapping professionals including the Military Survey, Steer Davies Gleave, The GeoInformation Group, AIG, Webmapper and a host of universities from the UK and further afield.

In addition to the full programme of presentations delegates can choose from a wide choice of interactive workshops with topics including Making the Most of OS MasterMap®, Better Mapping for the Terrified, 3D Geological Mapping and What’s Hot? What’s Not? Using Thermal Mapping.

This year sees the introduction of two preconference master classes intended specifically for GI professionals with the aim to extend the delegates’ learning experience within specialist topics. These two two-hour sessions are run by the BCS Design Group, offering cartographic consultancy to help develop maps for effective communication, and the BCS GIS Group providing practical advice on how to produce high quality cartographic output within publications and the Internet.

Furthermore, the event also includes the usual favourites; an optional visit to the MOD Military Intelligence Museum at Chicksands, a commercial exhibition, gala dinner and awards ceremony.

After only a short time since releasing conference sponsor packages, BCS is pleased to announce that a number of organisations have already committed to the event. These include platinum sponsors ESRI UK and Victoria Litho Ltd, gold sponsor bookings by STAR-APIC, Imray, Laurie, Norie & Wilson Ltd and HarperCollins Publisher plus silver bookings from Global Mapping Ltd and The XYZ Digital Map Company. BCS is very appreciative for the support and commitment of these early bookers.

Delegates at The British Cartographic Society Symposium 2009 will be eligible to receive Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points that can be used towards securing or retaining their Chartered Geographer (GIS) status.

To register or find out more, visit www.cartography.org.uk. Those interested should sign up now since space is limited.

The British Cartographic Society Symposium is being organised by Training4GIS, the training and consultancy division of The GeoInformation Group.