The National States Geographic Information Council named John Jordan, of the Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians, as executive director.

County 911 coordinator Stephen Kennedy said he spent two years synchronizing GIS data before the county could update its 911 system.

The new site, used to show which streets have been cleared, was not working properly much of the day Friday.

The National States Geographic Information Council's biennial report shows states are advancing on GIS efforts, but are still far from perfect.

The state has appointed Alfredo Herrera, a former City of New Haven GIS analyst, as its first geographic information officer.

NSGIC Executive Director Molly Schar said that after five-and-a-half years in her role, she's stepping down to try something new.

GIS officials in Washington and Oregon say recent events — including the appearance of Asian giant hornets — have raised their profiles in state government.

Smith, who helped get the federal Geospatial Data Act passed, will serve in a newly created role at the National States Geographic Information Council.

More professionals are getting certified and more government agencies are requiring tighter standards on their GIS work, according to a nonprofit that administers the certification.