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

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

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

County officials said a recent pilot project with the National States Geographic Information Council gave them a boost in confidence and staff support.

Geospatial officers and elections administrators will meet in Washington to exchange ideas on making the democratic process more geographically precise.

Experts say the Geospatial Data Act will address longstanding shortcomings in national standards and policies.

If passed, the legislation is thought to fill gaps in geospatial data governance left vacant for more than 20 years.

A new program attempts to bring structure to a widespread effort by states and municipalities to modernize their election systems using geospatial data.

The new group, founded at the National States Geographic Information Council’s midyear conference, will encourage more women to work in a technology field traditionally dominated by men.