You are invited!

As a user of Missouri’s map-based geospatial information, we need your input and help to improve the development, maintenance, and coordination of statewide mapping data. Your participation in this process is critical for the broad adoption and ultimately success of the plan’s implementation.   

Please join the geospatial coordination groups of Missouri, Missouri’s Geographic Information Officer (GIO), the Missouri Spatial Data Information Service (MSDIS) and the Missouri Geographic Information Systems Advisory Committee (MGISAC) in creating a new Strategic Plan for the development of Missouri’s Spatial Data Infrastructure (MoSDI).

To kick off this effort we are convening eight regional planning meetings to identify your needs, desires, and priorities and how they can be assimilated into the new state plan. The purpose of these meetings is to engage the state’s broad GIS community in moderated, targeted discussions about how to improve our statewide spatial data infrastructure. The outcomes of these meetings will be assembled to create the strategic plan. Drafts of this plan will be posted on the MGISAC website for comment periods.

WHY YOU SHOULD PARTICPATE

• Great ideas have been swirling around in your head and this is the perfect place for them to land.
• Statewide spatial data development will improve the quality and usage of your data.
• You have data and data services needs similar to many others. This forum can bring those needs together for a productive solution.

HOW YOU CAN PARTICIPATE

1. Attend the planning meetings. Free lunch will be provided for registered attendees.

2. You may also attend the planning meetings via our ‘phone bridge’ system. The meeting packets can be downloaded from the MGISAC website [www.mgisac.org] on the 50 States Grant page so you can follow along. Dial in on a toll-free number to both listen and contribute. (The meetings will be managed on a strict schedule so that phone bridge attendees may ‘attend’ specific topic discussions without attending for the entire meeting.)

You may join these meeting via the conference call bridge by dialing: US Toll-Free: 1-866-910-4857 and then entering Participant Pass code: 720478.

3. You can download the meeting packets from the MGISAC website [www.mgisac.org] and provide your written comments after the prompts. Your comments can be submitted by email to gisc@cableone.net or faxed to 660-665-0399. Meeting packets will also be available at the meeting locations.

RSVP

All attendees will be asked to register online.   There is no cost to register – lunches and breaks will be provided through the National States Geographic Information Consortium’s “50 States Initiative Grant” funding. Registration is necessary so that room and meals can be sized accordingly.
To register go here - http://www.geog.missouri.edu/MO_GIS_Strat_Plan_reg/ and select the region closest to you or one that is convenient.  

OTHER ITEMS SLATED FOR THE WEBSITE:

• Project background and statement of purpose at (www.mgisac.org – NEW! Missouri GIS Statewide Strategic Planning with Regional Input -50 States Plan)
• General project schedule – (under construction)
• Introduction to MGISAC, GIO and MSDIS – (under construction)
• Meeting Agenda – (Please watch for an agenda specific to the regional input meetings to be added after the January 10th, 2008 initial meeting – this agenda will go out via the list servers and other forms of communication.)
• Questions to consider prior to the meetings (under construction)