My last column in ArcNews (Spring 2007, page 36) focused on the lawsuit recently filed by MAPPS et al., which sought to limit contracts for nearly all federal government mapping and GIS activities mainly to licensed architectural and engineering (A&E) firms. I am pleased to report that the judge in this case issued a decision on June 14, 2007, rejecting the MAPPS lawsuit.

Several geography and GIS organizations, including AAG, GISCI, GITA, UCGIS, and URISA, joined together to oppose the MAPPS litigation through educational outreach and the development of an Amicus Brief to the court on the case. The judge's dismissal of the MAPPS lawsuit will help ensure that all qualified professionals in the mapping and GIS communities will continue to be able to fairly compete for federal government contracts.

More Information

For more detailed information, including the full text of the court's ruling, the issues involved in the lawsuit, and the Amicus Brief, visit www.aag.org.