INTRODUCTION
Version June 2024
ISPRS is an international non-governmental organisation that enhances international cooperation between the worldwide organisations with interests in the photogrammetry, remote sensing and spatial information sciences. Established in 1910, ISPRS is the oldest international umbrella organisation in its field, which may be summarized as addressing “information from imagery”. The Society operates without discrimination on the grounds of race, religion, nationality, or political philosophy.
The scientific and technologic activities of ISPRS are the responsibility of the Technical Commissions (TCs) and their nominated Working Groups (WGs). The Ordinary Member organisation selected to host a Technical Commission is elected by the General Assembly at each quadrennial ISPRS Congress. Ordinary Members submit bids for hosting a TC for a four-year term. Guidelines describing the responsibilities of Ordinary Members that take on this responsibility are given in section 2. Working Groups are appointed by the Technical Commissions, following approval by the ISPRS Council. Guidelines for the conduct of a WG are found in section 3 of this manual.
In conducting its work, TCs and WGs organise ISPRS events and ISPRS co-sponsored events. ISPRS events are those primarily organised by ISPRS, including the TC Symposia, the Geospatial Week (a workshop bundle) and individual workshops, usually conducted by one or more WGs. ISPRS also co-sponsors events organised by other parties, if such co-sponsorship serves the aims of the Society.
This manual presents information on:
- the responsibilities of the ISPRS Technical Commissions and Working Groups and procedures to ensure efficient operation;
- the relationships between the Technical Commission President (TCP), Vice-President (Vice-TCP) and the WG officers (Chairs, Co-Chairs, and secretaries);
- the responsibilities of WG officers;
- arrangements for ISPRS events and ISPRS co-sponsored events;
- the ISPRS publication policy;
- relevant ISPRS guidelines and general ISPRS procedures.
The manual is intended to ensure that such a diverse organisation as ISPRS is able to operate in an efficient manner, with all contributing parties being aware of the accepted responsibilities, procedures and conventions operating within the Society. It is also placed on the ISPRS Home Page (
www.isprs.org).