The formation of first state chapter of Management Association for Private Photogrammetric Surveyors (Mapps), was announced yesterday, 17, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

The chapter will include existing Mapps members based in or with offices in Pennsylvania, and new Pennsylvania firms that are joining Mapps.

The chapter combines the goals of a group of Pennsylvania firms, to give the state’s private geospatial community a voice in state legislation and public policy, and Mapps, which desires to have a strong, unified voice for the private geospatial community at the Federal, state and local level.

Announcing the formation of the chapter, Mapps Executive Director John Palatiello said, “This is a win-win situation. Firms in Pennsylvania will have a state-based organization for networking, education, information sharing, market advocacy and public policy”.

Ashis Pal, President of geographIT said “Forming a Mapps Chapter proved to be the most effective and efficient way to achieve our goals. ATS is pleased to join Mapps and we will work to encourage other Pennsylvania geospatial firm to join as well.”

Firms will jointly be members of Mapps and PA-Mapps. All private sector geospatial firms based in or with offices in Pennsylvania, or firms doing business in or with an interest in Pennsylvania, are encouraged to join Mapps and PA-Mapps.

For information and membership application, go to www.mapps.org/pachapter.asp.