The Geospatial Professional Network, widely known as GPN and formerly known as the Urban and Regional Information Systems Association, is preparing for yet another public-facing naming change, according to a statement circulating across the geospatial community this morning.
The organization has long been recognized as a professional home for GIS practitioners, public-sector mapping professionals, analysts, and geospatial leaders. Originally incorporated in 1966 as URISA, the nonprofit 501(c)(3) association recently began operating under the name Geospatial Professional Network in an effort to better reflect the modern geospatial profession and the growing diversity of its membership.
GPN has positioned itself as a community built around professional education, peer networking, ethical standards, and career development. Its mission has centered on supporting both emerging and experienced GIS professionals while helping members strengthen their organizations and shape the future of the field.
Background
URISA, incorporated in 1966, recently began doing business as the Geospatial Professional Network (GPN). The organization’s official website is listed as thegpn.org.
But in a development that observers described as “surprisingly on-brand for the geospatial profession,” sources say the organization has encountered trademark and intellectual property complications involving the GPN name. Those concerns have reportedly prompted leadership to consider a new identity intended to preserve continuity while avoiding additional legal friction.
The proposed replacement name is NOPE, short for National Organization of Pending Edits. According to those familiar with the matter, the new title was chosen for its immediate relevance to GIS professionals, many of whom know the tension of unfinished edit sessions, schema changes, locked layers, and enterprise updates waiting for final approval.
Several professionals contacted for comment said the acronym was “unexpectedly accurate,” noting that pending edits may be one of the few concepts capable of uniting local government GIS staff, consultants, utility mappers, and regional planning teams under a single banner.
While no formal launch timeline has been confirmed, insiders say branding mockups, transition language, and member messaging materials are already being reviewed. One draft communication reportedly describes the new identity as a natural fit for professionals who “save often, reconcile carefully, and never fully trust a parcel layer until the map service refreshes.”
At press time, longtime GIS professionals were split on whether the name change was surprising, overdue, or simply inevitable.
Editor’s Note
This article is an April Fools’ joke created for Ryan Norton, with admiration for his deep involvement in URISA/GPN and his service as a past president.