London, 07 September 2023 – The Association for Geographic Information (AGI), and the Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers) (RGS-IBG) have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This strategic alliance, in alignment with both organisation’s objectives and strategies, will strengthen communications to maximise the impact of messaging in the geographic sector and beyond, and deliver activities to support three priority areas, namely, ‘Leadership’, ‘Developing People’ and ‘Knowledge Sharing’.
Nigel Clifford, President of the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) commented, ‘The Council of the RGS-IBG, including our strengthened Professional representation, are very pleased to endorse the renewed MoU with AGI. The use of geospatial data is at the heart of building a better world and we fully support the work of the AGI in promoting its use through its important community’.
“A successful relationship between the AGI and RGI-IBG will be evidenced by a better understanding of geography and the roles of geospatial technology and geographical information,” added Adam Burke, Chair of the Association for Geographic Information. “This will result in improved policy and decision making through the use of location intelligence, improved professional development and market growth. It will, it is hoped, also expand the stakeholder ecosystem through cross-sectoral collaborations between professionals, policy-makers and academia within the geospatial space.”
The relationship between the two organisations was initially formed to support practising geographic information professionals and businesses through the accreditation of ‘Chartered Geographer (GI/GIS). Part of the RGS-IBG programme of professional accreditation in geography, this recognition of competence complements the professional development opportunities and initiatives coordinated by the AGI.
However, as the first MOU was launched in 2017, the relationship has evolved, and geography and geographic information have become a ubiquitous part of the wider data-driven world. The AGI and RGS-IBG continue to leverage common interests through activities including advocacy, communications, events, consultation responses and engagement with stakeholders.