The Urban and Regional Information Systems Association (URISA) has established the GIS Hall of Fame to recognize and honor the most esteemed leaders of the geospatial community. To be considered for the GIS Hall of Fame, an individual's or an organization's record of contribution to the advancement of the industry demonstrates creative thinking and actions, vision and innovation, inspiring leadership, perseverance, and community mindedness. In addition, nominees must serve as a role model for those who follow. URISA Hall of Fame laureates are individuals or organizations whose pioneering work has moved the geospatial industry in a better, stronger direction.

The first inductees into URISA's GIS Hall of Fame are URISA founder Edgar Horwood, Design With Nature author Ian McHarg, president of Tomlinson Associates Ltd. and the "father of GIS" Roger Tomlinson, Esri president Jack Dangermond, U.S. Geological Survey's Nancy Tosta, and the Harvard Graphics School. Profiles of each Hall of Fame member are included on the URISA Web site (www.urisa.org).