Committees & Forums

Committees and Forums focus on issues affecting the membership or the association. Members are encouraged to participate and provide input on the topics presented by the committee. If you are interested in participating in a MAPPS Committee or Forum, please click here.

Legislative Affairs Committee

The Legislative Affairs Committee (LAC) collaborates with public and private stakeholders to promote policies that encourage a favorable business environment for the geospatial industry. The LAC is responsible for the development and implementation of strategies to advance MAPPS' legislative initiatives and other interests relating to Federal Agencies and Congress. Magic happens in our Legislative Affairs Committee!

Chair: John Copple, The Sanborn Mapping Company

Membership Committee

Explore the current membership structure in order to assure growth for the association, including exploration of trends in the profession (mergers & acquisitions) and a review of the definitions associated with each membership (to assure that emerging markets/technologies are covered in the MAPPS definitions). The committee will work with staff to design, develop and implement programs to promote membership in MAPPS. Membership on this committee is by appointment by the President of MAPPS.

Chair: Quinton Lewis, Helios Airborne Solutions

Program Committee

The Program Committee is responsible for coordinating the sessions at the MAPPS Summer and Winter Conferences. The program committee seeks input from the membership on a variety of topics including business trends, technology, best practices and networking.

Chair: John Barnes, SAM, LLC

Associate Members Committee

Associate Members Committee shall provide a forum for the principals of Associate Member firms in MAPPS to assure that these firms are fully integrated in the activities of MAPPS; be a vehicle for the MAPPS Board to solicit these members input on issues; provide input to the Program Committee on sessions, speakers and topics to be addresses at MAPPS conferences affecting Associate Members interests, and assist the Board and Membership Committee in recruiting new Associate Members to MAPPS.

Chair: Jessica Touchard, GeoSearch

Communications Committee

The MAPPS Communications Committee is responsible for shaping and sharing the organization’s message across all platforms. The committee works to promote MAPPS’ mission, initiatives, and events by ensuring clear, consistent, and engaging communication with members, partners, and the broader community. Key responsibilities include managing MAPPS’ website content, developing newsletters and email communications, supporting social media outreach, and coordinating messaging for programs, events, and advocacy efforts. The committee also collaborates with other MAPPS committees and leadership to highlight achievements, share resources, and strengthen member engagement. Through strategic communication and storytelling, the Communications Committee helps build awareness of MAPPS’ work, fosters connection among members, and enhances the organization’s visibility and impact.

Chair: Emily Klipp, Woolpert

Co-Chair: Brianna Zumkof, Eagleview

Forums are communities within MAPPS that address issues affecting firms, their products and services, and markets. Each member firm of MAPPS should select at least one forum. Forums not only meet at MAPPS conferences, but host occasional conference calls, organize webinars, and engage in communications using the features provided through the MAPPS web site outside of and during time period between MAPPS conferences. Forums provide members an even greater sense of "belonging and add value to being a member firm in MAPPS. Forums are a way for members to share and gain information and knowledge, network, solve problems, and work with their peers to improve their business and contribute to the well being of the geospatial profession at and apart from attendance at MAPPS meetings and conferences.

Aerial Acquisition »

Provide a forum for members involved in the acquisition of imagery and data from aerial platforms, including manned fixed wing and rotocraft and unmanned aerial systems and vehicles; identifies issues for presentation to the MAPPS Board and takes such action on issues as directed by the MAPPS Board.

Chair: Quinton Lewis, Helios Airborne Solutions

Emerging Markets & Technologies »

The Emerging Markets & Technologies Forum convenes members who are interested in identifying new markets and demands for geospatial services and data, and new technologies and applications that are entering the market.

Small Business »

The Small Business Forum is a home for firms that qualify for the Small Business Administration (SBA) definition or “size standard” (currently NAICS 541370 Surveying and Mapping (except Geophysical) Services - $15 million).

Chairs: Phil Gershkovich, Cooper Aerial Surveys, Darnell Banks, Paragon Aerial Surveys