Our State Advisory Council gathered yesterday to learn more about geospatial technologies, along with a review of the latest Strategic Plan accomplishments. The council met at the NH Higher Education Assistance Foundation Conference Center in Concord.

Following a County Round Table with reports from advisory council members, Extension Specialist Shane Bradt talked about Geographic Information Systems (GIS), the types of GIS data available in New Hampshire, what makes GIS work and how council members can create GIS data. He also reviewed the satellite-based navigation system known as Global Positioning System (GPS), the types of GPS units and what makes them work.

The council received a progress report from the Strategic Planning Implementation Team, which included the decision to fund two full graduate assistantships each year to Extension staff working in partnership with UNH or UNH Manchester faculty members, and the awarding of the first round of Significant Issue Grants. (Please see related story in my Extension Update this week.)

The Strategic Planning Implementation report also noted plans for an Outreach Seminar series and public value training for staff.

The next State Advisory Council meeting is October 16.