Illinois GIS Strategy

Geographic information is critical to the understanding and management of complex economic, social, and natural resources in Minnesota. The Minnesota Governor's Council on Geographic Information coordinates the development of geographic information technologies statewide.

The Governor's Council on Geographic Information was created in August 1991 to help coordinate geographic information system activities among all levels of government in Minnesota.

The following guiding principles form the foundation for the council's activities and priorities. The Governor's Council on Geographic Information will: * Promote efficient investments in geographic information. * Promote geographic information as a public resource that should be widely shared with and available to interested parties. * Support the establishment and use of geographic data standards and guidelines to better exchange and share information resources. * Promote education and training in GIS. * Promote the beneficial uses of geographic information in the development of policy and the management of public resources. * Provide a major forum where ideas and issues of the GIS community in Minnesota can be brought forward, discussed and acted upon, as appropriate.

The council's 18 members are appointed annually by the Commissioner of the Department of Administration and are drawn from state agencies, federal and local governments, higher education and the private sector. Additional 5 Ex-Officio members.