OGIS

WHO ARE WE:

OGIS is an affiliation of teaching and research faculty from 5 colleges, 15 departments and the Virginia Tech Libraries who share an interest and expertise in Geospatial Information Technologies (GIT).

WHAT WE DO:

Geographic information systems, the global positioning system, and remote sensing are multibillion-dollar industries that have exhibited growth in the range of 15-25% over the past 10 years. With Virginia’s prominent location near the seat of federal government in Washington, DC, the Commonwealth is a focal point for explosive growth in Geographic Information Technology. Computerized mapping and spatial analysis along with data collection from afar directly support the profitability and efficiency of any Virginia firm or agency that makes use of the technologies. OGIS works to assist Virginia companies, state agencies and federal agencies with needed research, development, training and education to make full competitive use of geographic information systems, remote sensing technologies, and the global positioning system.

Service/Outreach 

OGIS members are active throughout the Commonwealth in promoting the use of appropriate geospatial information technologies. Members have been on the planning board of the annual Virginia GIS conference for several years, support a web page at Virginia Tech, serve useful geospatial data to the Commonwealth, serve on the Virginia Geographic Information Network University Committee, and sponsor an annual research symposium. OGIS members have also taken the lead in procurement of software site licensing which has enriched educational opportunities for our undergraduate and graduate students. Two OGIS members are regular sponsors of DEVELOP, NASA’s Digital Earth education and outreach program that provides internships for several VT undergraduate students each year.

PRIORITIES & OPPORTUNITIES:

With the great demand for geospatial information professionals in the Commonwealth and around the world, OGIS is currently pursuing offering minor and major undergraduate and graduate degrees in GIT. We envision the opportunity to concentrate in these areas through a non-traditional program made up of a core of multidisciplinary courses followed by a specialization of upper level courses taught in our traditional disciplines across campus.

RESULTS:

OGIS Research Symposium 

Held each spring to provide current research presentations to the Geospatial community around the commonwealth. Presentations are invited from all universities and state agencies.