State Coordination

The Virginia Geographic Information Network

The Virginia Geographic Information Network (VGIN) is the lead public agency in the Commonwealth for spatial data and GIS. VGIN’s mission is to facilitate the cost-effective development and use of spatial data, GIS, and related technologies in organizations throughout the Commonwealth.

Other State Agencies

There are approximately 17 state agencies in Virginia that utilize geospatial tools to support decision making. Many of these agencies can be accessed through this pulldown list of state agencies and local governments in Virginia.

The Virginia Geospatial Extension Program

Virginia's Geospatial Extension Program, a member of the National Geospatial Technology Extension Network, seeks to promote the integration of geospatial tools and techniques through a coordinated approach at the local, regional, and state levels. The program aims to extend opportunities and empower organizations and individuals across the Commonwealth of Virginia through training, assessing application needs, and providing increased access to data resources.

Initiatives associated with this program include:

• Technology and application training
• Information sharing
• Course development and dissemination
• Educational outreach

The Virginia Geospatial Extension Program was initially established through a partnership between the Virginia Space Grant Consortium and Virginia Cooperative Extension. The Virginia Geospatial Extension Specialist is a hard-funded position through Virginia Cooperative Extension at Virginia Tech, and is 100 percent dedicated to Extension.

Planning District Commissions

There are 21 planning district commissions (PDCs) in Virginia. They are made up of elected officials and citizens appointed to the commission by member local governments. The commission selects an executive director responsible for managing daily operations. Commission offices are located generally in a central location for the region as determined by the commission charter.

The Virginia Association of Planning District Commissions (VAPDC) can provide GIS support services to several local governments. Learn more about the VAPDC's.

Local Governments

There are 107 cities and counties in Virginia. Many of these localities have fairly sophisticated GIS-supported systems. Contact information associated with each of Virginia's cities and counties regarding Virginia GIS.

Higher Education

Virginia's community colleges and four-year colleges and universities have well-developed GIS programs.

Virginia Community college and Universities with geospatial programs.

GIS User Groups

Regional user groups have been established across Virginia.

Virginia Regional User Groups.