[1] URISA promotes the effective and ethical use of spatial information and technology for the understanding and management of urban and regional systems.
[2] URISA was formed in 1966, evolving from a loosely associated group of professionals with a common interest in urban planning information systems.
URISA has since evolved into an international organization supporting professionals with interests in a variety of topics related to development and effective management of geographic information systems (GIS).
[3][4] URISA is currently headquartered in Des Plaines, Illinois, where professional staff handle the administrative functions of the association.
[28][29] URISA members are professionals in the spatial data industry working in local, regional, state/provincial, tribal and federal government, academia, the private sector, and non-profit organizations.