Origins of the AGI

AGI was established in 1989.  What is the story of its origins?

In 1985, the Government set up a Committee of Enquiry into the handling of geographic information with the following terms of reference:

'To advise the Secretary of State for the Environment, within two years on future handling of geographic information in the UK, taking account of modern developments in information technology and of market needs.'

The Committee was chaired by Lord Chorley and reported in 1987.  The recommendations of the Chorley Committee concerned

  • Digital topographic mapping
  • Availability of data
  • Linking datasets
  • Awareness
  • Education and training
  • Research and development
  • Coordination - the role of Government

This included a recommendation for the setting up of a Centre for Geographic Information and that this should not be within a single Government department, but should be linked to Government through its membership and funding.  Its suggested role was to promote awareness of the benefits and opportunities afforded by the new technology (GIS), to provide advice on national policy in related areas such as education and research, and to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas between all interested groups.  It was intended that, whilst being independent of Government, the new Centre should be able to advise and influence Government in the application of new technologies.

The Government endorsed the Committee's view that any Centre for Geographic Information should be independent of Government and should ultimately be self supporting.  Such an organisation should:

  1. Provide a forum for users and suppliers
  2. Promote awareness of the benefits of the new technology
  3. Provide impartial advice to users

It was this part of the Government's response that caused the most disapointment and concern, resulting in a gathering and strengthening of opinion across a wide user spectrum, voiced most strongly by Walter Smith in Mapping Awareness (volume 2, No 1) entitled 'Towards a Centre for Geographic Information':

'Of the greatest importance will be the setting up of the proposed National Centre for Geographic Information.  This body must be representative of all interests, embrace all professions and skills, call on people with vision and practical experience, and be dominated by no one interest, individual or group of individuals.'

The AM/FM Conference, which took place during March 1988, debated the setting up of a UK branch of AM/FM which was meant to fulfill the larger role envisaged in the Chorley Report for a National Centre for Geographic Information.  Many delegates at the conference felt strongly that AM/FM was not the right place for the UK Centre for GI.  The choice of AM/FM as a name was questioned and delegates were unanimous in their agreements that such a name was inappropriate.  Concern was also expressed that the new organisation should have a proper secretariat. 

A provisional Council of the Association for Geographic Information was established during 1989, consisting of 26 representatives from throughout the industry.  The role of this Council was to:

  • Be representative of as wide a cross section of interest groups as possible
  • Ensure no one group possessed undue influence
  • Limit itself to discussion and definition of AGI policy, setting up a number of committees to translate this policy into reality
  • Establish a democratically elected Council by the AGI membership

As a result, the AGI is a multidisciplinary organisation dedicated to the advancement of the use of geographically related information.  It covers all interest groups including local and central government, utilities, academia, system and service vendors, consultancy and industry.  It aims to increase awareness of the benefits brought about by the new technology, and assist practitioners in the attainment of these benefits.