The Geographic Information Advisory Council and the Division of Geographic Information are charged with completing a statewide Commonwealth Geospatial Strategic Plan, and we are seeking YOUR input to help guide and inform the elements of the plan. We are inviting all members of the Kentucky geospatial community–anyone involved with the production, management, distribution, or use of mapping data in the Commonwealth–to communicate their ideas to the committee.

Two regional listening sessions are planned at Area Development District offices, for whose support the Strategic Planning Committee is grateful. At each of these sessions, information about the strategic plan process and the supporting grant will be available. Representatives of the committee will be available to listen and record your ideas and feedback. No formal presentations are scheduled at these sessions.

Big Sandy ADD, Monday, August 30; 10:00AM – 4:30PM ET

110 Resource Court, Prestonsburg, KY 41653; http://www.bigsandy.org/

Map and directions to the facility are under the Introduction/where_we_are tab on their website.

Pennyrile ADD, Monday, September 27, 2010; 10:00AM – 6:00PM CT

300 Hammond Drive, Hopkinsville KY 42240; http://www.peadd.org/Default.aspx

Map and directions to the facility are under the PADD Info & Links tab on their website.

Another listening session is planned during the Kentucky GIS Conference for Friday, October 15, GIS Conference, during the lunchtime meeting. There will be a short overview presentation on the strategic plan process, then we will listen to ideas and feedback from those in attendance. The Strategic Planning Committee greatly appreciates the opportunity to participate in the conference, and appreciates the assistance and support from KAMP in setting up this session. More information on the conference (held in Frankfort this year) can be found at the KAMP website.

For those who are unable to attend the listening sessions or conference, but who wish to provide feedback, a web-based survey will be posted, hopefully no later than Friday, August 27. A distributed announcement similar to this one will include details for accessing the survey.

I hope you will take advantage of at least one of these feedback opportunities, or you may contact me at any time before October 15 with your ideas and suggestions.

Sincerely,

William “Drew” Andrews