GITA and Open GIS Consortium Host Emerging Technology Summit II: Spatial Web Services

Wayland, MA, USA, May 9, 2003 – Tim Berners-Lee and former Wyoming Governor Jim Geringer will provide the keynote addresses at this year's Emerging Technology Summit, sponsored by the Geospatial Information & Technology Association (GITA) and the Open GIS Consortium (OGC). The interactive 1.5-day summit will be held June 5 and 6 at the Sheraton Premiere at Tyson's Corner, in Vienna, Virginia. Details on the summit can be found at: http://www.gita.org/events/ets/web_services/open.html .Berners-Lee, the Director of World Wide Web Consortium, is credited with the invention of the World Wide Web and will help attendees explore Spatial Web Services, the focus of the event. Jim Geringer, former Governor of Wyoming and Past Chair of the Western Governors' Association and the Education Commission of the States will discuss the role of geospatial Web services in advancing government and citizen services. In addition to their keynotes, both Berners-Lee and Geringer will participate in moderated discussions with attendees.The event explores how leading-edge organizations in government and industry are breaking down barriers to data sharing and application in today's geoprocessing systems through the use of interoperable Web services. The use of Web services improves decision-making capabilities, enhances customer service, and bolsters business goals.Bob Samborski, GITA Executive Director, said, “I think anyone entrusted with delivery of utility and government services needs to be aware of the powerful impact Spatial Web Services will have on their day-to-day work. The future is now for many forward-thinking organizations-and we're talking practical, real-world implementations that are making a difference now! This is leading-edge education for positioning a utility, government agency, infrastructure management organization, or private sector business to be at the head of the line and ready to thrive as the economic situation improves.”The Open GIS Consortium's President, David Schell notes, “This is an extraordinary opportunity to explore the current state of the art in Spatial Web Services from both the technology and policy perspectives. This is also a chance to look into the future with peers and visionaries to shape an understanding of the possibilities for the future. With the collective experience of ETS II attendees and panelists, we hope to identify priority challenges needing action by industry and policymakers.”The mission of the Geospatial Information & Technology Association (GITA) is to provide excellence in education and information exchange on the use and benefits of geospatial information and technology in business, utility, and government applications worldwide. More information is available at http://www.gita.org .OGC is an international industry consortium of more than 250 companies, government agencies and universities participating in a consensus process to develop publicly available interface specifications. OpenGIS Specifications support interoperable solutions that “geo-enable” the Web, wireless and location-based services, and mainstream IT. The specifications empower technology developers to make complex spatial information and services accessible and useful with all kinds of applications. Visit the OGC website at www.opengeospatial.org .– end –“