Intergraph ups ante in GIS consortium

Intergraph Corp.'s mapping division has stepped up its involvement in the Open GIS Consortium Inc. (OGC), a business, government and academic collaboration promoting the use of standard mapping specifications.

With the interoperability of geographic information systems (GIS) increasing as a strategic consideration for both private and government organizations, Intergraph's Mapping and GIS Solutions division has decided to get more closely involved in the OGC program.

"We see an inevitable growth in interoperability within the industry in general," said Ignacio Guerrero, vice president of Intergraph's mapping department. "It will allow [Intergraph GIS software] to access multiple data sources and so add value for our users."

The group has been actively participating in OGC's interoperability activities for some time, Guerrero said, but an upgrade in the company's participation to Strategic Member — the consortium's highest level — means the company will have a direct role in defining the future direction of OGC's activities.