What is H-GAC’s role in the Geographic Data Committee?
The Houston-Galveston Area Council's role is to host and coordinate GDC activities. There is no contract with the different entities but bylaws have been established. You will sign an "Authorization for Participation Form" to commit to the membership.
Would you please provide information on membership benefits?
GDC membership includes access to some of our cooperatively purchased data such as infoUSA business and household data, aerial imagery, and the Key Maps grid. GDC members enjoy discounted prices on cooperative software purchases. We provide a one-time free courtesy copy of the STAR*Map (Street Centerline and address point) to new GDC members, and access to an information-sharing FTP server. Please also refer to the links at the bottom of this page: “GDC Membership Advantages”, “Why join the GDC?”.
What are the requirements for becoming a member?
You sign the "Authorization for Participation" form and send it back to us and pay the $1,000 membership fee. That’s it, you are a GDC member.
Where can I find a GDC membership form?
The GDC “Authorization form is available for download at the right side of this page.
Where do I find the GDC bylaws?
You can download the bylaws at the right side bar of this page.
How long is the GDC membership term?
GDC membership is unlimited and renewed annually unless an organization states that they want to cancel it.
Are there different levels of membership?
There are no different levels GDC membership but we have categories of organizations: public, educational, non-profit, and private. For some GDC votes, private organizations votes have less weight than those of public organizations. Please refer to the GDC Bylaws for more details.
Can you provide me a list with the terms of your committee members?
The terms for the Geographic Data Committee officers are from June to May. We hold elections in May and the new officers take their position in June.
What are the GDC Officer positions?
The GDC Officer positions are: Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary
When are the GDC meetings being held?
The GDC meets the first Wednesday of every month at H-GAC, 2nd Floor, Conference Room A, at 9:30 am.
What is the “Authorization for Participation Form”?
It is the form that lists the representatives for your organization for the GDC. It is also the last page of the GDC Bylaws and thus a component of the bylaws.
Do I fill out an “Authorization for Participation Form” each year?
The GDC membership is automatically renewed annually if you are not canceling it. You only need to fill out the authorization form again if you change representatives. We will send you an invoice once a year.
When do I fill out an “Authorization for Participation Form”?
Any time the committee representative changes or the designated alternate changes please send us a new authorization form. This is required according to the bylaws and it also helps us keeping the sign in sheet, signs, and website current
How can I send the GDC “Authorization for Participation” form?
Mail to: Houston-Galveston Area Council
Data Services Department
3555 Timmons Lane, Suite 120
Fax to: (713) 993-2481
Scan and e-mail to: amy.adkins@h-gac.com
Can I e-mail the “Authorization for Participation” form?
You can e-mail it, but we need to have a signature. We accept a scanned signature or a signed and scanned document.
We have been following the goals of HGAC for several years and are thinking about becoming a GDC member. Can you send us the appropriate documentation to help us make this decision?
Please see the links under GDC Documents at the right of this page. You will find the GDC bylaws and documents outlining the advantages to become a member. If you have more questions please contact: Robert.LaBarbera@h-gac.com
Can I attend to GDC for free to see if it is right for me?
Yes you can. We invite you to join us as a guest to see the GDC in action. The first Wednesday each month at H-GAC, 2nd Floor, Conference Room A, 9:30 am.
What are the methods of payment for the GDC membership?
You can pay by credit card (Visa, Mastercard), check, or purchase order.
Can we pay our membership due by credit card?
Yes, you can pay by Visa or Mastercard.
Can I pay with a purchase order?
Yes you can. We will send you a price quote to initiate your purchase order. Based on your purchase order we will issue an invoice.
Who should the check be made out to?
It should be made payable to the Houston-Galveston Area Council. Please note on the check that it is for "GDC Membership".