Organizations
FER Home : Geographic Information Science : Organizations
FER students and faculty are active in a number of peer and industry organizations that promote GIS as a natural resource management tool.
NCSU is a member of The University Consortium for Geographic Information Science (UCGIS), a professional society for the geographic information science research community. The UCGIS mission is to: “serve as an effective, unified voice for the geographic information science research community; to foster multidisciplinary research and education; and to promote the informed and responsible use of geographic information science and geographic analysis for the benefit of society.” Visiting its website, as well as those of other organizations that incorporate GIS topics into their actvities (see below), can give you a better idea of how the field of geographic information science is changing natural resource management:
SCI-LINK is an innovative outreach project sponsored by the College of Education at NC State that links scientists, teachers, and students in order to encourage the translation of current scientific knowledge into teaching practices. Educators work with leading scientists to increase their knowledge and skills using the environmental research and GIS resources of NC State, other research universities and a number of federal and state government agencies.
The American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS) is a scientific association serving over 7,000 members around the world. Its mission is to advance knowledge and improve understanding of mapping sciences to promote the responsible applications of photogrammetry, remote sensing, GIS and supporting technologies. Many GIS students studying in FER and most GIS faculty members belong to ASPRS.
The National Association of Environmental Professionals (NAEP) provides a forum for the exchange of information, ideas, career advice and experiences in natural resources; advocates interdisciplinary environmental education and research; promotes campus awareness of environmental issues; and sponsors lectures, seminars and field activities to spur discussion of issues that affect natural resources and people at the local, regional, national and international levels.
The Society of American Foresters (SAF) is a national scientific and educational organization representing the forestry profession in the United States. Its mission is to advance the science, education, technology, and practice of forestry; to enhance the competency of its members; to establish professional excellence; and, to use the knowledge, skills, and conservation ethic of the profession to ensure the continued health and use of forest ecosystems and the present and future availability of forest resources to benefit society. Members include natural resource professionals in public and private settings, researchers, CEOs, administrators, educators and students.
The NC Chapter of The Wildlife Society provides a forum for wildlife professionals and others to interact to improve wildlife conservation and management while fostering high professional standards and ethics within all related fields. It is an acknowledged source of current scientific information and expertise, and acts as a collective voice on matters relating to wildlife biology, management, education and policy. Many NC State faculty and students are active members of this chapter.
