To better serve the global geospatial community, the Urban and Regional Information Systems Association (URISA) has officially rebranded as the Geospatial Professional Network (GPN)—a move aimed at broadening the organization’s mission.
The rebranding marks a significant shift from URISA’s original focus on urban and regional GIS and reflects the evolving needs of GIS professionals across diverse sectors and regions. GPN offers enhanced career development, networking, and educational opportunities.
The decision to adopt a new name was driven by research and feedback from URISA members indicating that the organization needed an identity that represents a wider range of geospatial professionals. This rebrand positions GPN as an inclusive network for everyone working in GIS, whether in urban planning, nonprofit sectors, or other industries. The new logo symbolizes global connectivity, with a central circle that represents the worldwide reach of GIS and surrounding dots that signify data and people. It reflects the organization’s commitment to professional growth and collaboration.
Along with the rebrand, the organization developed the following new value proposition statement:
The Geospatial Professional Network is a vibrant community uniting emerging and experienced GIS professionals through top-tier education, networking, and career development. We are committed to upholding ethical standards, empowering you to support your organization, advance your career, and shape the future of the geospatial profession.
Members and allied organizations have had positive reactions to the rebranding. Professionals from various sectors—including water utilities, nonprofit GIS organizations, and local government agencies—expressed excitement about the more inclusive and approachable name. Additionally, the new identity aims to simplify communication about the value GPN provides, making it easier for members to speak to the advantages of being in the organization.
Here’s what community members are sharing about GPN’s new brand and mission:
It will be a lot easier to explain the benefits of this organization now. Nice work by all involved on having a finger on the pulse of the needs and desires of its members.
I love it. I stand with the GPN all the way!!!
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! Looking forward to renewing my membership with the GPN
I love the new name and logo so much!!!!!! Thank you to all those who are working on the rebrand. This is going to help us immensely. I can personally see how this new name will help me at work.
Geospatial Professional Network—I love it! Definitely a more approachable group name than the Urban and Regional Information Systems Association. The name was honestly a barrier for me when I first started getting into the GIS community. I wasn’t sure they were talking about me.
Love it…long overdue!
As GPN moves forward, the organization will continue to offer renowned programs such as the GIS Leadership Academy and the Advanced GIS Leadership Academy, in addition to workshops, webinars, and conferences like GIS-Pro in the Rockies 2025 in Denver, Colorado. The rebrand also serves to unify and strengthen regional chapters in the United States and around the world and help them build their membership and networks.
GPN is a central hub for geospatial professionals worldwide, fostering innovation and leadership in the field of GIS. For more information, visit theGPN.org.
About the author
