Geographical Information Systems spatial analysis has rapidly become a significant decision support tool for businesses and government organizations.
Unfortunately, the cost of entry remains high, which means residents and communities, and the smaller non-profits and public organizations, whose services bring value to those residents and communities, cannot realize the benefits.
The Atlas Program brings high-quality maps and spatial analysis that is highly accessable to these groups. It also works to GIS-enable organizations that are underserved, or otherwise have barriers to taking advantage of ways GIS can improve their value.
The Atlas Program gets its GIS skills from local educational institutions, bringing community-based projects and funding to GIS students.
Delivered by a 501(c)(3) non-profit, Atlas revenues come from grants, donations, and service contracts.
In 2010, the Four Creeks UAC began purchasing GIS services from Green River CC. All services funds are used for student scholarships/internships or for equipment purchases that benefit Four Creeks and the GRCC GIS students. Over a 5-year period, FCUAC provided in excess of $6,700 in direct funding to GRCC GIS students.