The 2008 NYS GIS Association Survey Report
In April 2008, the NYS GIS Association conducted a survey of the geospatial community in New York State. The purpose of the report was to evaluate current trends in professional certification and to determine what the geospatial community would like to see from the NYS GIS Association in the coming year.
Over the course of 14 days, we received 166 responses across the State (from Long Island & NYC to Buffalo) which provided extremely good information on certification as well as what the community felt the future direction of the Association should be.
On first blush, the number of folks that had GIS certifications seems low (24), however, the number of individuals considering certification over the next three years is significant (27% yes & 45% maybe). As one of the primary goals of the Association is to support the development of the GIS profession throughout the state, the barriers to certification as outlined by the responders will be examined closely to see what role the Association can play in encouraging these individuals to moving forward with obtaining certification.
The survey indicated that the top four items that the Association should be stressing are:
Impacting the proposed Surveying Legislation
Continuing with NYS Geospatial Summit
Providing training
Promoting professionalism
While the Association believes that it is currently focused in these areas, it will continue to monitor the geospatial community on a regular basis to insure that it is doing everything possible to meet its needs.
Lastly, the Association wishes to thank all those that took the time to complete the survey and let us know that we can do to make it more responsive to your needs.
For more information, see the survey report.