About Us

Founded in 1987, WLIA is a grassroots organization representing a collection of concerned professionals working to develop, maintain, and apply a network of statewide land information systems. We are united by an interest in land records modernization, GIS, and related technologies, and by the need for government policies and programs that support their efficient and effective application. WLIA is a registered 501(c)(6) non-profit organization and is open to individual, non-profit, and corporate members.

Learn more about the history of WLIA, as told by our founders.

Our purpose…

The purpose of the Wisconsin Land Information Association is to foster the understanding, development, operation and maintenance of a network of statewide land information systems. These multipurpose land information systems require the spatial registration of various layers of land data that are maintained independently in various offices, agencies and organizations in both the private and public sectors. The registration of data from separate, but coordinated, information systems will provide the opportunity for all cooperating parties to access and use these valuable land data. Specifically, the Wisconsin Land Information Association’s mission is focused on promoting sound policy, promoting interaction and cooperation, technical research and education.


What we have accomplished…

Since 1987, WLIA has made some significant steps to enhance the understanding, development and use of land information systems. Some of the greatest accomplishments have been done through its support of the Wisconsin Land Information Program (WLIP). The items below summarize what has been accomplished through both the support of the WLIP and accomplishments beyond the WLIP.

WLIA support was critical in the success of both the WLIP and WLIB. Specifically as an Association, we were able to:

  • Work with the Legislature and local units of government for the continued support of the WLIP.
  • Educate both our members and, more importantly, our non-members about the benefits of the WLIP.
  • Support statewide initiatives, which enhanced the development of statewide land information systems (i.e., the foundational elements).
  • Provide a forum in which the concepts of the WLIP were further enhanced.



Beyond the WLIP

Since 1987, the WLIA has been successful in aligning its organization and budget structure within the organizational priorities, missions, and objectives. This alignment has allowed the Association to:

  • Conduct an annual conference.
  • Conduct annual regional meetings and educational seminars.
  • Provide a forum for interaction between land information professionals.
  • Develop a stable and diverse membership base.
  • Promote the importance of land information.
  • Develop standards, which promote cost effective information.
  • Expand the cooperation between different levels of government.
  • Expand the cooperation between the public and private sectors.
  • Provide educational programs for both members and nonmembers.