OGC and GPC GIS Partnering to Grow GITS Interoperability in the MENA Region

Geospatial Information, Technology and Services (GITS) interoperability in the MENA region received a big boost in July 2011. GPC Global Information Solutions (GPC GIS) joined the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) to help drive open standards in the region. Both organizations have collaborated to create a partnership agreement that will see GPC GIS working closely with the OGC to increase the awareness of open geospatial standards, promote the benefits of these standards, and support greater implementation of OGC standards in the MENA region. GPC GIS is a leading provider of GITS Consulting Services and Professional Development with a long, successful track record of doing business with many organizations, institutions and companies regionally. 

Steven Ramage, Executive Director Marketing and Communications for the OGC, said, "The OGC has been underrepresented in the Middle East until now. There’s extensive geospatial knowledge in the region and open standards are being used in a number of domains, such as environment, defence, public safety and spatial data infrastructures. Having GPC GIS as an OGC Associate Member working with us in the region means we can raise awareness and understanding of the value of OGC standards and membership in the consortium.”

This innovative partnership will allow GPC GIS to infuse its local knowledge with OGC’s international experience to deliver knowledge and expertise on geospatial standards to the region, as well as provide a channel for GITS professionals to participate and influence GITS standards development internationally. This knowledge and expertise will be delivered through seminars, workshops, short courses, conferences, meetings, forums, and working groups all open to existing and potential users of OGC standards and members of the OGC.

GPC GIS and the OGC seek to enhance the awareness, development, and implementation of GITS standards in the MENA region.