Report from the President
Winter
2003/2004
As Always the Potomac Region is very active addressing the ever changing needs of our membership, such as changing membership demographics, increasing numbers of organizations and industries that use geospatial information, initiation of a new membership communication plan, and, of course, rapidly expanding geospatial technologies and applications. The Potomac Region continues to advance the professions of the mapping sciences and create an inclusive environment that supports quality geospatial information.
However, in 2003 the War on Terrorism moved a Region Director out of the Region and deployed our Secretary/Treasurer temporarily out of the country. These and other personnel losses created a Board that was very stretched but focused. The result was some great events, initiation of some good programs, and an increase in membership. The down side was the inability to create a consistent communication and outreach program to the members. We look forward to more members joining us in our efforts (no matter how small) to keep moving our profession forward.
Our Members Day Luncheon in September was an absolute success. Topped
with the attendance and keynote address by ASPRS President Don Lauer, we
had in attendance a Who’s-Who of the geospatial technology profession. The
highlight was the recognition and presentation of the well-deserved ASPRS
Fellow award to Dr. David Maune.
Our principal vehicle for new member recruitment was the annual GeoTech Conference which traditionally has been very successful at signing up new members. One of the important strategic initiatives, implemented through our Region Director for Education and Historian, is to involve students in this conference, as active participants and as volunteers. We have also initiated a Student Forums program that will provide program and financial support to groups of students that work together in the common interest of Geospatial technologies. As a result of our campaigns, Region membership is up nearly topping the 1,000 member mark.
The GeoTech Conference also highlights our outreach activities by inviting numerous non-ASPRS groups in an effort to develop a sense of community and a better understanding of photogrammetry and remote sensing. GeoTech2003 was an overwhelming success with a total of 148 attendees and 12 exhibitors. Focusing on High Resolution issues we addressed some very timely discussions on the policies and future of the industry.
The ASPRS national meeting in 2005 will be in Baltimore and there is ample room for contributions and involvement by the Potomac Region in this year’s preparations. We are very fortunate to have Potomac Regions members, Dr. Jan Gervin leading this event assisted by Dick Campbell. Also, Dr. David Maune and Dr. Barry Haack will head the Technical Program.
As 2004 progresses I hope each of you begin to feel more connected to the Society with an improved web-presence, more student opportunities, and more opportunities for members to join in the effort to contribute to our profession and its members.
Dr. Bradley Doorn
President
ASPRS Potomac Region