| Abstract: |
Geospatial technology programs throughout the Cooperative Extension system are combining forces to provide more effective and comprehensive outreach efforts than possible on a state-by-state basis. Two results of these collaborative efforts are the National Geospatial Technology Extension Network (NGTEN) and the Map@Syst Community of Practice on eXtension.org. NGTEN is an informal network that helps Geospatial Extension Specialists from over a dozen states share ideas, leverage successful educational programs and develop relevant, real world applications of geospatial technology. The ultimate goal of the organization is to identify the “best of the best†across our group, and to facilitate the implementation of these best practices on a local level. The Map@Syst community of practice is one example of NGTEN collaboration. As part of the national eXtension project, Map@Syst represents an effort to develop a collaborative, wiki-based website dedicated to geospatial technology outreach. The site has been developed by members of the NGTEN network with an immediate goal of providing local governments with information on the benefits and uses of geospatial technologies. Although originally established by an Extension-based Community of Practice, the Map@Syst site will be open to contributions from other users of GIS, GPS and remote sensing technology. |