2008 - what's ahead?

So what is there to look forward to in 2008?

Well generally in GI, I guess there will be more advances in technology. These will bring GI to the masses even if they would not recognise it as being GI. Google and Microsoft will produce better and more detailed maps. Commercial mapping companies will be concentrating on the added value they can provide for their specific clientele. The Location Strategy will be published and we hope that Government will see this as the beginning of a process and not the end of a process. The implementation of the INSPIRE Directive will be debated and hopefully decisions will be made to facilitate the implementation in the UK by hte 2009 deadline.

At the Association for Geographic Information, we must remain relevant and continually assess our relevance to all sectors within our membership. We will run a series of events which I hope will be useful and well attended. We will run a fantastic annual conference in September in Stratford upon Avon. We will deliver good value to our members for their membership fee and hopefully increase our membership base. And we will continue to be financially viable.

As for me personally, I intend to learn more about the world of GI, continue to represent the AGI to the best of my ability and do my best to keep the organisation profitable. And, by keeping work and life in balance, I hope to reduce my golf handicap!