WyGEO Update: Statewide Survey Results, Board Elections, and Upcoming Events

[Nick Case]

Hello WyGEO Members,

It has been a busy few months for the Wyoming geospatial community. Below is a quick update on recent developments, upcoming events, and opportunities to get involved.

TL;DR

• Wyoming Geospatial Community Survey results are available
• WyGEO has begun conversations with the State CIO about statewide geospatial coordination
• Board election results are in — welcome to our new and returning members
• The Geringer Distinguished Lecture (April 8) will feature a national leader in geospatial data from the U.S. Census Bureau
• The Elevation Geospatial Summit (May 20–21) is accepting presentation proposals
• WyGEO scholarships continue to support students entering the field

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Wyoming Geospatial Community Survey

In December, WyGEO conducted a statewide survey to better understand the priorities and challenges facing the geospatial community in Wyoming.

The results show strong interest in improved coordination of geospatial data across agencies, clearer stewardship of authoritative datasets, and easier discovery and access to data.

You can read the full survey report here:

https://wygeo.org/wygeo/wp-content/uploads/wygeo-survey-report.html

These findings have already helped inform discussions within WyGEO and with state leadership about how Wyoming might improve collaboration around geospatial data.

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Community Forum and Breakout Discussions

Earlier this year, WyGEO hosted a community forum and unconference-style breakout sessions where participants from state agencies, local governments, universities, and industry discussed challenges and opportunities for geospatial data in Wyoming.

Across the discussions, a common theme emerged: many of Wyoming’s geospatial challenges are organizational rather than technical. Participants highlighted the need for clearer governance, improved coordination of authoritative datasets, and better mechanisms for discovering and sharing data across agencies.

A summary of the breakout sessions is available here:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vSuy3QfXZDFrKe2TlDqtzUSf4aghDkGNWcd3rI97ehmbmbLjWZbZ3xbamESzk8aCz5ZVlbeOOMcXoDN/pub

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Conversations with the State CIO

Building on the survey results and community discussions, WyGEO recently shared a memo and supporting materials with the Wyoming State CIO. We had an initial conversation about the concept of improving coordination of authoritative geospatial datasets across the state.

The discussion was encouraging. The CIO is familiar with similar efforts in other states and expressed interest in continuing the conversation. A follow-up meeting with additional state partners is planned to explore what a coordinated approach — such as a Wyoming basemap or shared framework for authoritative data — might look like in practice.

We will keep members informed as these conversations continue.

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WyGEO Board Election Results

Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s board elections.

We are pleased to welcome several new and returning board members:

• Nicholas Case was re-elected to serve another term as WyGEO President.
• Carson Liesik was elected as Secretary.
• Kimberly Guinta was elected as Southwest Regional Director.
• Brett Governanti was elected Northeast Regional Director after previously serving in an interim role.

We appreciate their willingness to contribute their time and leadership to the Wyoming geospatial community.

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3rd Annual Geringer Distinguished Lecture

WyGEO is helping co-host the 3rd Annual Geringer Distinguished Lecture, highlighting how geospatial data is improving decision-making and everyday life.

Speaker: Deirdre Bishop

Associate Director for Economic Programs, U.S. Census Bureau

Dr. Bishop oversees the national geospatial database used for the decennial census and federal surveys. She previously led the Census Bureau’s “Reengineering Address Canvassing” initiative during the 2020 Census, which used satellite imagery to dramatically improve the efficiency of address verification. She also works internationally on integrating geographic and statistical data to support sustainable development and community resilience.

Event Details

April 8, 2026

4:00–5:00 PM Lecture

5:00–5:30 PM Reception

Wyoming Union – West Yellowstone Ballroom

University of Wyoming

More information:

https://www.uwyo.edu/soc/news-events/calendar.html#event-details/d97d0b68-1883-47a1-8a43-4a944c9165dd

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Elevation Geospatial Summit — Call for Presentations

The Elevation Geospatial Summit will take place May 20–21, 2026 in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The event brings together geospatial professionals from across the Rocky Mountain region to share projects, ideas, and emerging technologies.

The call for presentations is now open.

Learn more or submit a proposal here:

https://elevationsgeospatialsummit.org/

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WyGEO Scholarships

WyGEO continues to support students pursuing geospatial education through its annual scholarship program. These scholarships help students attend conferences, pursue geospatial coursework, and connect with the professional community.

More information:

https://wygeo.org/scholarship/

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Thank you to everyone who participated in the survey, attended recent events, and continues to contribute to Wyoming’s geospatial community.

We look forward to seeing many of you at upcoming events this spring.

Best regards,

Nicholas Case

President

Wyoming Geospatial Organization (WyGEO)

[Nick Case]