MAPPS is the preeminent national association of firms involved in many aspects and benefits of the geospatial field in the United States. A cornerstone of MAPPS is being fully engaged in a non-partisan manner with the legislative process on issues that directly impact its membership and the geospatial profession. 

This article summarizes several long-standing and highly effective MAPPS programs which demonstrate the associations’ dedication to Democracy in Action, public and private partnerships, and geospatial political advocacy. The programs below allow MAPPS members to engage in the political process by making their collected voices heard on Capitol Hill and with federal agencies: 

• Legislative Affairs Committee (LAC),  
• Federal Programs Conference (FPC),  
• Capitol Hill Day 
• Political Action Committee (PAC). 

MAPPS incoming president Renee Walmsley says, “MAPPS advocacy activities provide members current information on our federal agency partners as well as opportunities to engage in legislative action for our geospatial profession.”  

Legislative Affairs Committee (LAC) 

The LAC is comprised of interested MAPPS members who desire to be active in the political process for the benefit of the entire membership and geospatial community. The committee is guided by a board-appointed chairperson working closely with the MAPPS government affairs and advocacy firm, board of directors, and membership on legislative priorities. The committee works very closely with the MAPPS federal agency liaisons who have direct contact with selected federal agencies on behalf of the membership and board.  

The LAC activities are primarily focused on national geospatial public policy and legislation that impacts membership and federal agencies. Increasing the impact and reach of MAPPS is accomplished by collaborating with other geospatial and industry associations on issues of mutual benefits.  

Each year the LAC reviews the existing and upcoming federal programs as well as related legislation that is of interest to MAPPS members. It then recommends to the board an agenda, strategies, and priorities for taking specific action on any given issue. 

Federal Agency Liaisons 

MAPPS has had standing committees with federal agencies since 2003. These federal agency liaison committees allow for a dialog between the private sector and their government partners. Meetings generally take place two times per year, including at the Federal Programs Conference in March. Presentations and notes from agency meetings are all posted in the appropriate liaison group on the MAPPS website. Readers of xyHt can view articles published over the past few years about the agency liaisons. 

Federal Programs Conference (FPC) 

The FPC is an annual event in Washington, D.C., featuring education sessions, federal agencies briefings on programs, budgets, and requirements for geospatial data, products, and services. This is a valuable meeting for any firm interested in working with the federal government. A significant part of the FPC is preparing membership to be effective on Capitol Hill advocating before Congress and special sub-committees that may have oversight on a particular issue or agency. 

MAPPS president Kelly Francis of Aero-Graphics says, “Without the political advocacy conducted by MAPPS, our firm would not have the insight and understanding necessary to compete in the federal marketplace.” 

Capitol Hill Day  

The day following the FPC, MAPPS members unite on Capitol Hill participating in the democratic process by visiting their state congressional delegations. These educational and advocacy meetings discuss legislation and policy that serve the nation, benefit geospatial firms, and impact local communities.  

The MAPPS LAC, board, and members are extremely knowledgeable about the benefits of innovative geospatial solutions and data, upcoming legislation, and agency funding requests, which become the basis for discussions with elected officials. Examples of the 2025 Hill Day topics are summarized below. These are very specific “asks” that MAPPS members discuss with congressional leaders to drive funding and program support. 

• MAPPS supports fully funding the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Geospatial Program (NGP) $94,715,000 in for both FY25 and FY26 in order for Core Science Systems to realize the numerous benefits of the 3D Elevation Program (3DEP), and the 3D Hydrography Program (3DHP) in order to fully integrate hydrography, elevation, and other data from The National Map in a single 3D data model. 
• MAPPS respectfully request $684 million to be appropriated to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Ocean Service geospatial programs for FY 25 and FY 26 as a continuation of the FY 24 appropriated funding. Specifically, the Office for Coastal Management, the Office of Coast Survey, and the National Geodetic Survey all work with the private sector to perform key legislative mandates that include: many geospatial programs and activities required to meet the objectives of the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) of 1972 and Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2009. 
• MAPPS supports The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Production and Conservation FY 2025 request of $2.63 billion in discretionary funding to focus on domestic agricultural issues and includes the Farm Service Agency, the Risk Management Agency, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the FPAC Business Center. FPAC’s Business Center administers the Preservation of Infrastructure and Natural Ecosystems aerial imagery and geospatial-related contracts that comply with: Farm Bill (Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018); Geospatial Data Act of 2018; Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996; Federal Land Policy and Management Act; Homeland Security Presidential Directive-7 (HSPD-7); and the National Infrastructure Protection Plan.  

Political Action Committee (PAC) 

For more than three decades, MAPPS has effectively utilized its Political Action Committee to strengthen congressional relationships, political influence, and educating elected officials. The MAPPS PAC regulated by the Federal Election Commission, is a legal, non-partisan, ethical, and professional way for individuals from member firms to engage in our great political process. 

Each year, MAPPS makes meaningful contributions to congressional members who are instrumental in helping geospatial legislation and programs advance through the approval process.  

Make Your Voice Heard Today 

MAPPS and its membership are instrumental advocating for geospatial programs by implementing the internal political action strategies and programs mentioned above. Whether a member firm is a prime federal contractor or subcontractor, small or large business, focused on federal or commercial markets, data provider, or technology developer, being involved in MAPPS legislative affairs is good for your firm’s business goals and the geospatial community. Use the QR Code to join MAPPS and be part of the growing geospatial voice on Capitol Hill.