The Central Appalachian Chapter of the Urban and Regional Information Systems Association (URISA-CAC) was established to stimulate and encourage the advancement of an interdisciplinary, professional approach to the planning, design, operation, and use of geospatial technology.  More specifically, URISA-CAC promotes the effective use of geospatial technology and applications for the understanding and management of urban and regional systems.

 URISA-CAC is a non-profit professional and educational association.  Our members work for private and public organizations including: engineering companies; information technology companies; utilities; universities; state, county, and local governments; and non-profit organizations.  The geographic extent of our membership includes counties in Western Pennsylvania (Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Cambria, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Washington, and Westmoreland) as well as West Virginia (Brooke, Hancock, Harrison, Marion, Marshall, Monongahelia, Ohio, Preston, Taylor and Wetzell.)

 URISA- CAC, after careful discussions, has endorsed the Geospatial Coordination Strategic Plan for Pennsylvania.  This Plan calls for the formation of a GIS Council which we believe is necessary and long overdue.  A GIS Council can leverage Pennsylvania's resources by bringing people together from various geospatial backgrounds to provide an excellent facility for collective leadership and decision-making.