Historically, the NAR hosts technical dinners twice per year on popular topics in GIS, Remote Sensing, Photogrammetry, and on the mapping industry in general.

The region has three main components on the membership level: Sustaining Members (Companies), Full Members, and Student Members. Each group plays a role in bringing together a unique set of skills, opportunities, and challenges in our region.  There are also honorary and emeritus memberships, as well.

Besides the different levels of membership, ASPRS is divided into five Technical Divisions based upon field of interest.  The technical division meetings, correspondence, and targeted projects are the means by which ASPRS makes its mark upon society.  By dividing into specialties, members gather industry-specific information to make informed decisions about relevant issues.  All ASPRS members on all levels are encouraged to pull an oar to steer the course of the future of our industry for as many technical divisions in which they have an interest.

The Academic Community plays a vital role by creating new professionals (or revitalizing others).  The North Atlantic Region is currently building the communication infrastructure that will support additional objectives.  There is a natural symbiosis between the industry's need for talent and the student's need for career direction and motivation.  The faculty play a key role in that culture by serving as a catalyst for the ongoing success of the relationship.  By recognizing and endoring their efforts, ASPRS has a role as a replenishment mechanism for professors.

Sustaining members form the backbone of the organization by providing monetary, technical, and event support both locally and nationally for ASPRS.  Full members enjoy voting rights and additional amenities as prescribed by the National By-Laws.  Student members are given the chance to make career-building relationships via active participation.  Everyone receives a monthly publication, Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing, which is a peer-reviewed journal focused on advanced professional developments and ASPRS activities.

There are a number of opportunities for leadership development (i.e. fun and friendship) via the North Atlantic Region of ASPRS.  As of January 2000, a search has begun for members to serve on The Executive Committee.  The executive committee is designed to formalize a members' interest in an NAR project, or personal vision of the future for ASPRS.  Appointed by the president, an Executive Committee member serves on an annual basis, or until such time as the project has completed its mission as deemed by the Board of Directors.  The Executive Committee mirrors the Grant Program for Students, therefore it is advisable, although not required, that Executive Committee members develop a mentor relationship with the student grant recipient.  Likewise, a student grant recipient is wholeheartedly encouraged to discover or reciprocate that relationship.

A seat on the NAR Board of Directors tops off an active members local responsibilities by providing a vehicle for carrying on the momentum of the region.  These members hold meetings several times per year to coordinate the technical dinners and plan the other ongoing initiatives.

The ASPRS National Society has opportunities similar to the regions.  One of the best ways to pursue these is to attend the national conferences.  There it is possible for all members to attend the committee, division, region, and national board of directors meetings and listen and learn how ASPRS gets things done.  At the same time, it is advisable to submit a technical paper or poster session, or to sponsor an event to guide your career development, as well as enhance the conference experience for all.  David Stolarz served as the Chairman of the Student Activities Committee from 1995 to 1998, and created web materials regarding his experiences, including an ASPRS National Student Activities Committee Web Page which holds the following:  an open letter to motivated members, the National Report as published in PE&RS, Conference Reports with photograph attachments, student chapter information, and job search resources.

The donation of time, energy, and resources of the volunteer leaders of ASPRS provides the connection to a larger society of professionals, the advancement of the state of knowledge about the mapping industry in our community, the development of personal career growth skills, and the chance to share friendships over time.

 National Student Activities Committee

The ASPRS National Society