ASPRS Board Unanimously Voted Support for the Streamlining Task Force Recommendations to Take ASPRS into the Future
Click here to read the proposed bylaw amendments. (PDF 1 MB)
Over the last year ASPRS has been working on a restructuring of the organization. The “Streamlining Task Force” made recommendations that the Board fully endorsed.
VISION:
Global development and application of imaging and geospatial information improves decision-making sustains communities and enhances quality of life.
MISSION:
To promote and advocate imaging and geospatial science for informed scientifically valid and technologically sound observations of Earth conditions and trends that lead to improved and effective decision-making.
CORE VALUES:
• Adoption and practice of the scientific method advances imaging and geospatial science and technology.
• Development and dissemination of guidelines and standards facilitates accessible and reliable use of imaging and geospatial information.
• Development of new imaging sensors and platfor
ms improves applications by practitioners.
• Expansion of a diverse community of geospatially literate students and professionals sustains our community.
• Adherence to ethical standards strengthens student learning and professional practice.
• Advocacy of relevant imaging and geospatially-relevant policies promotes sustainable development and use of Earth resources.
Recommendations for Changes to the Strategic Plan
The current Strategic Plan lists numerous goals action items and performance metrics that all have long-term value. Specific focus is needed in the short term however on activities that can help stabilize improve and grow the Society. Thus goals should be prioritized and additional action items added that directly address restructuring and the more efficient operation of the Society. This Task Force recommends a “Turnaround” Strategic Plan for now which can evolve into a “regular” Strategic Plan in a few years. The following is one of many possible schemes and is set out here as an example.
· Strategic Plan 2014-2016 (Turnaround Period): Set goals to achieve financial health restore membership health modernize governance modernize operations and facilitate more direct member involvement in Division Region and Council technical activities.
· Strategic Plan 2014 (Immediate): We must have immediate objectives to get finances in order (metric: arrest accelerating decline in income) streamline the governance (metric: write new Bylaws) modernize IT infrastructure (metric: install new or upgraded member database) maintain/enhance the relevance of the Society to the geospatial community (metric: assess Division structure and activities to align better with industry needs).
· Strategic Plan 2015 (Next year): The 2015 objectives may be to understand our present and future membership (metric: market survey) grow membership (metric: member campaign) stabilize finances (metric: lose less money than in previous years) better engage members in Region activities (metric: consolidate Regions to serve members more efficiently through activities and outreach).
· Strategic Plan 2016: For the year after next objectives may be to increase outreach activities (metric: hold major STEM education event) improve finances (metric: operate cash-
flow neutral) continue to grow membership (metric: add 500 net new members).
· Strategic Plan 2017-XX: Eventually we could aspire to a steady-state Strategic Plan that achieves a longer list of goals and metrics similar to the four goals in the plan proposed on 1 August 2014.
o GOALS (2017-20XX)
§ ADVANCE KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF IMAGING AND GEOSPATIAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
§ PROMOTE THE ETHICAL DEVELOPMENT AND APPLICATION OF IMAGING AND GEOSPATIAL DATA AND INFORMATION
§ ENHANCE PUBLIC AWARENESS APPRECIATION AND ADOPTION OF IMAGING AND GEOSPATIAL INFORMATION
§ PROMOTE REPRESENTATION OF INDUSTRY GOVERNMENT AND ACADEMIC INTERESTS IN IMAGING AND GEOSPATIAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
A powerpoint presentation outlining the material includes:
Streamlining Briefing Slides for Tampa Board 2015 (powerpoint)
The reports are as follows: