Society for Conservation GIS
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Society for Conservation Geographic Information Systems (SCGIS) works to assist conservationists worldwide in using GIS through communication, networking, scholarships, and training. Membership is open to any individual seeking assistance in the achievement of personal or organizational conservation goals. As a 501c3 U.S. based non-profit organization, SCGIS uses a fee-based membership, strategic partnerships, and private funding to provide services directly to members.
Founded in 1997, SCGIS assists conservationists worldwide in using GIS through communication, networking, scholarships, and training. The multidisciplinary nature of cultural and natural resource conservation efforts benefit greatly from computer-based tools that manage information. In addition to data management, computer-based tools greatly enhance the communication of conservation ideas to policymakers and the public. Recently, one of the most effective computer-based tools has been found to be Geographic Information Systems (GIS). GIS is comprised of software, hardware, geographic data, and people that can efficiently store and analyse various types of geographic data and display these data as maps, videos, images, or other graphic types.
Supported by more than 400 members, an all volunteer staff, a Board of Directors, and an Advisory Council, SCGIS provides GIS related services and support to conservation groups around the world. As its flagship event SCGIS hosts an annual conference that features discussion panels on the integration of GIS and conservation science, user group meetings, hands-on training sessions, and workshops. This Annual Conference is recognized as a one-of-a-kind event and attracts GIS conservationists from all over the world. Many of the programs that are offered before and after the conference make the summer an especially productive and active time for SCGIS; members that participate in the training and conference often report that their involvement has changed their lives.
The SCGIS international program provides opportunities for international members to be formally trained in conservation GIS. SCGIS provides an International Scholarship Program for which funding is sought annually. The successful funding for this program, and partnerships that have developed over the past four years have facilitated 99 Conservation GIS training sessions, and provided partial support of airfare and expenses for the international participants for the summer training and conference programs.
 |
This cartography or mapping term article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
