previously been the exclusive domain of aerial photogra- 
phy: Broad scale applications will also continue to derive 
benefit from existing and planned commercial satellite 
systems, as well as the new government-sponsored systems 
from the U.S. and several other countries. 
5. FUTURE 
Predicting the future is always difficult, but when the 
current nature and magnitude of change, in general, is 
combined with its impact on an already rapidly changing 
technological profession, making prognostications is even 
more difficult. Nevertheless, there are trends within ASPRS 
and the profession that will affect their respective futures. 
The following are some that will likely be encountered 
between now and the XIX ISPRS Congress at the turn of the 
century. 
An important multifaceted issue being examined is how to 
enhance ASPRS presence in “cyberspace”. This includes, 
but is not limited to, how that presence effects relationships 
with ASPRS committees and programs or with other soci- 
eties in general, developing an electronic version of PE&RS, 
developing job listings/electronic “job fair", advertising, 
and various other types of community services that could be 
provided via the home page and the potential for “virtual” 
workshops and specialty conferences. 
ASPRS is likely to develop short- and long-term strategic 
alliances and collaborative partnerships with a broader 
range of organizations in the area of meetings and publica- 
tions. This is necessary to achieve the goals of being more 
timely, creative and flexible in providing services to our 
existing and future members, the latter of which will likely 
have needs that vary significantly from those of today. 
The potential for further relaxation of restrictions to intel- 
ligence community technologies and data should reinforce 
mapping sciences applications in a number of areas, includ- 
ing natural resource applications. This, coupled with the 
potential for further advances in the core technologies, 
should continue to strengthen and broaden the profession. 
All of the above have the potential to increase ASPRS 
membership and associated activities. The challenge, how- 
ever, will be in making sure ASPRS and similar societies 
can remain relevant to current and future members in these 
dynamic times. 
International Archives of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing. Vol. XXXI, Part B6. Vienna 1996 
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