Background & Vision

Vision

GITA is the premier professional association for enriching the broader geospatial community.

Mission

To educate, connect and advocate for the geospatial community.

Objective

• Provide our members high quality, industry-specific educational opportunities and networking engagements
• Advance the usage and understanding of geospatial technologies
• Grow our involvement within and beyond the infrastructure and utilities markets

History

In the late 1960s, Public Service Co. of Colorado employees were among the first to develop an automated mapping/facilities management system. It was revolutionary for its time. People saw the technology's potential, and in 1978, the first "Keystone Conference" was held -- it attracted 32 attendees. In 1982, a nonprofit organization was chartered to serve this growing industry with an educational forum to exchange ideas. The association was named Automated Mapping/Facilities Management International, or AM/FM International.

AM/FM provided vision and leadership in educating individuals interested in implementing AM/FM GIS technology. In 1998, AM/FM changed its name to the Geospatial Information & Technology Association to better reflect the association's broader focus.