History of IGIC
In December 1997, the Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts called a meeting of various
county, state, and federal agencies, as well as private companies known to have active GIS programs or interests.
The goal of this meeting was to determine how funding could be generated to produce statewide digital orthophotography.
The group that had assembled decided to continue meeting with a goal of implementing statewide GIS coordination. This
effort became known as the Indiana Geographical Information Systems Initiative (INGISI).
In 1998, thirty-nine government, academic and industry representatives signed the Indiana GIS Initiative Commitment to
Success, formally endorsing the broad principles of INGISI. Initial funding was provided by grants from the Federal
Geographic Data Committee and the Indiana Land Resources Council.
In the early 2000's support swelled, and the Indiana Geographic Information Council (IGIC) was formed to administer
activities and provide a formal structure. IGIC is served by an elected Board of Directors, a representative
council of over a dozen sectors utilizing GIS. IGIC was recognized by Governor's Proclamation as the official
statewide GIS coordinating body in 2000, and adapted to the responsibility by formally incorporating as a 501(c)(3)
non-profit corporation.
In 2004-6, the organization saw a number of monumental changes, including contracting an Executive Director and
hiring IGIC's first full-time staff member. The Indiana GIS Initiative was dissolved, and membership in IGIC was
formalized. Today there are over 300 individual, corporate, and institutional members.
IGIC's success has been enhanced by the willingness of many of its members to donate staff time and resources
to further the goals of the initiative. It is our mission to lead the effective application of GIS in Indiana for an
improved quality of life.