The Geospatial Commission launched its National Geospatial Strategy yesterday. The Commission was established in 2018 as an independent, expert committee within the Cabinet Office to provide strategic oversight for the UK's geospatial ecosystem, promote the best use of geospatial data and boost the UK's global geospatial expertise.
The strategy for 2020 to 2025 maps out how the UK will unlock the power of location data, across four Mission areas. The Society is looking forward to continuing its support for and work with the Commission, especially in advancing Mission 3: Enhance capabilities, skills and awareness. We have a shared vision and sense of purpose in promoting the relevance, impact and benefits of using geospatial data and thinking for economic, social and environmental benefit, from everyday applications to deep specialist innovation.
In its strategy, the Commission highlights the importance of geographic information systems (GIS) and geospatial within the national curriculum and the work of the Society's Geography Ambassadors and GeoMentors, with Esri, in supporting and inspiring the next generation. We welcome further opportunities to engage with the Commission in our work with schools, universities and industry.
As the learned society and professional body for geography in the UK, the Society's work is highly complementary to the work of the Commission. We set standards (for the discipline and individuals) and accredit programmes and individuals - notably Chartered Geographer, with a specific stream for GI/GIS; offer opportunities for networking, mentoring, training and other professional development; and showcase career pathways and opportunities. We advocate for the discipline, engage with the public through an extensive and broad range of programmes, and are actively engaged in knowledge exchange activities across all our communities, including through Geovisualisation, which showcases how geographers visualise complex data.
Read the National Geospatial Strategy.