Interested in learning more about the Open Source GIS desktop software QGIS?  Did you know it runs on Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, BSD, and Android?  MaptimeLA will have an intro session on QGIS at their meeting Thursday, April 16, 2015 at 6:30pm.  Learn how to load data, set projections, style layers, edit data, and export a map with QGIS.

The National Geodetic Survey (NGS) plans on retiring the North American Datum of 1983 (NAD 83) and the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88).  They are hosting a webinar at the 2015 Geospatial Summit.  More information below:

For those who cannot attend the Geospatial Summit and Height Modernization Partner meetings in-person, NGS is pleased to announce webinar registration is now open. Use the links below to register, and additional webinar information (including audio and system requirements) can be found online: http://www.geodesy.noaa.gov/2015GeospatialSummit/. The webinars will also be recorded for later viewing.

Geospatial Summit Webinar
Mon, Apr 13, 2015 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM EDT
Tue, Apr 14, 2015 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM EDT

Registration link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/412206174470066177

NOTE: This webinar will meet 2 times. Attendees are not required to attend both sessions.

Height Modernization Partner Meeting Webinar
Tues, Apr 14 from 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM EDT

Registration link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5157587308811502081

NOTE: Limited parts of the meeting may include in-person discussion that could be difficult to hear remotely. However, remote attendees will still have the opportunity to share their own questions and thoughts by using the GoToMeeting “chat” and “question” functions.

As a reminder, here are brief descriptions of these meetings:
At the Geospatial Summit, NGS will provide updates regarding the planned replacement of its two primary geodetic datums: the North American Datum of 1983 (NAD 83) and the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88). The summit will be an opportunity for federal and state agencies, as well other constituents, to share their comments, questions and concerns regarding the new geometric and geopotential datums, which are planned to be published in 2022.

The annual National Height Modernization Program Partner Meeting allows state and university partners to explain the best practices they develop and challenges they encounter when determining accurate heights in their local regions or communities. The meeting is also an opportunity for stakeholders to express their requirements as NGS continues to develop geodetic models and tools in preparation for the replacement of NAD 83 and NAVD 88.

Details and draft agenda concerning the above meetings is available at http://www.geodesy.noaa.gov/2015GeospatialSummit/