With only two weeks until the early bird booking incentive closes for UK conference Mapping 2008: Making the Most of Maps has already received significant interest from the geospatial community attracting record registrations. A residential conference; complete with an exciting programme of topical presentations, interactive workshops and networking opportunities, this annual event is designed to appeal to all geographic information practitioners. Mapping 2008: Making the Most of Maps, is built around The British Cartographic Society’s Annual Symposium, and will take place from the 3rd to the 6th September, inclusive, at the Harben House Conference facility near Milton Keynes.

The Mapping 2008: Making the Most of Maps conference programme features an impressive line up of industry experts who will give inspirational presentations on a diverse range of map related topics including representatives from the Royal Geographical Society, City University, Pitney Bowes MapInfo and the government’s Communities and Local Government.

In addition to the full programme of presentations delegates can also choose from a range of hands-on workshops. Topics include ‘Get started in mapping!’, ‘Making the most of OS MasterMap’, ‘Applying the KISS principle for effective map communication’ and ‘The trials and tribulations of map research’. Mapping 2008: Making the Most of Maps will also include all the favourite elements from over four decades' of symposiums; the Map Curators’ Workshop including a visit to the RAF Military Intelligence Museum at Chicksands, special interest group meetings, a commercial exhibition, gala dinner and awards ceremony.

Comments from delegates who attended last year’s event included “Excellently presented and very informative and enjoyable, with lots of good and useful networking", "… easy to understand and very interesting. Very useful to those with no knowledge on the subject" and “Not only educational but time getting to know other cartographers and sharing their experience is invaluable experience. Great fun!"

As part of the Association for Geographic Information (AGI) Continuing Professional Development Programme (CPD) and the Royal Geographical Society with IBG (RGS-IBG) Chartered Geographer scheme, delegates at Mapping 2008: Making the Most of Maps will be able to use their attendance as part of their annual training objective.

Mapping 2008: Making the Most of Maps is being organised on behalf of The British Cartographic Society, by Training 4 GIS, the training and consultancy division of The GeoInformation Group. Fiona Cocks, Training Director, commented “Last year's new look was well received by delegates both old and new and, following an extensive consultation process we hope to build on this success.”

For further information visit www.cartography.org.uk or call the organisers on +44 (0)1223 880077.