Statutes

Art. 1 Name and Purpose

1.1 The Swiss Organization for Geoinformation (SOGI) brings together interested members with the aim of promoting the use of geoinformation and its interdisciplinary application in Switzerland. It is the Swiss umbrella organization for member organizations active in this field and represents them in relevant international organizations.

1.2 SOGI may become a member of national, European, or international organizations. It cooperates with organizations pursuing similar objectives and may act as their Swiss representative or section.

1.3 SOGI is an association in accordance with Art. 60 et seq. of the Swiss Civil Code, operating on a non-profit basis. Its registered office is the place where its administrative activities are conducted. Its duration is unlimited.

Art. 2 Objectives and Activities

2.1 SOGI promotes and supports:

  • the exchange of experience and collaboration in the field of geoinformation;
  • interdisciplinary information exchange on modern information technologies;
  • awareness of the importance and proper use of geoinformation;
  • the dissemination of geoinformation in Switzerland;
  • the use of advanced IT tools for managing and accessing geodata;
  • the application of standards and norms for geomatics and data exchange;
  • education and training in the field of geoinformation.

2.2 SOGI ensures links with authorities and related fields in Switzerland and abroad and represents the interests of its members.

2.3 It ensures appropriate public communication regarding its activities.

2.4 To achieve its objectives, SOGI may:

  • organize or support conferences and courses;
  • establish specialist groups;
  • develop recommendations;
  • disseminate information;
  • carry out projects;
  • publish or support publications;
  • undertake other supporting activities.

2.5 It establishes a long-term framework program for its activities and financing.

Art. 3 Membership

3.1 Membership is open to organizations, public authorities, companies, institutions, and individuals who support the objectives of SOGI.

3.2 Membership categories:

  • A) Associations, professional associations, national organizations
  • B) Public administrations and educational institutions
  • C) Companies
  • D) Individuals
  • E) Students and apprentices

3.3 Admission is granted upon written application by the Board. The Board may reject an application without stating reasons.

3.4 Honorary members may be appointed by the General Assembly.

3.5 Resignation must be submitted in writing with two months’ notice effective at the end of the calendar year. Exclusion is decided by the General Assembly.

Art. 4 Bodies

  • General Assembly
  • Board of Directors
  • Auditors

4.2 All positions are confirmed every two years.

4.4 Minutes must be kept of all decisions.

Art. 5 General Assembly

5.1 The General Assembly is the supreme body and is convened at least once per year.

5.1bis  Proposals to the General Assembly must be submitted in writing to the Board of Directors no later than 45 days before the assembly.ting.

5.2 Invitations must be sent at least 30 days in advance.

5.3 Decisions:

  • Amendments and exclusions: two-thirds majority
  • Other matters: simple majority

5.4 Category A members have one vote each.

5.6 Voting rights:

  • B: 2 votes
  • C: 2 votes
  • D: 1 vote
  • E: 1 vote

5.8 Motions must be submitted 10 days in advance.

5.9 Elections are carried out by the General Assembly.

5.10 Responsibilities include:

  • annual report
  • budget
  • financial statements
  • membership fees
  • formation of groups
  • amendments to statutes
  • exclusions
  • dissolution of the association

5.11 Decisions may also be taken by written or electronic vote.

Art. 6 Board of Directors

6.1 The Board consists of at least four members.

6.2 Decisions are taken by simple majority.

6.3 Decisions may also be taken by correspondence (including email).

6.4 Responsibilities:

  • management and representation
  • implementation of strategy
  • budget responsibility

6.6 The President chairs meetings.

6.7 The Vice-President deputizes the President.

6.8 The Treasurer is responsible for finances.

Art. 7 Auditors

7.1 The auditors review the accounts and report to the General Assembly.

Art. 8 Groups and Organization

8.1 Permanent groups are approved by the General Assembly.

8.2 Agile groups may be established by the Board.

8.3 Executive Management coordinates professional activities.

8.4 The Secretariat manages administration.

Art. 9 Finances

9.1 Funding is derived from membership fees, events, and contributions.

9.3 Membership fees are based on economic capacity.

9.4 Contributions in kind are possible.

9.5 Activities are largely voluntary.

9.6 The financial year corresponds to the calendar year.

9.7 Liability is limited to the association’s assets.

Art. 10 Amendments and Dissolution

10.1 Amendments may be proposed by the Board or members.

10.2 Dissolution requires a three-quarters majority.

10.3 Assets are transferred to a similar organization.

Art. 11 Merger

11.1 SOGI assumes all assets and liabilities in the event of a merger.

Art. 12 Entry into Force

These statutes enter into force on 23 April 2026.

Co-President: Zilmil Bordoloi
Co-President: Maurice Barbieri
Minutes: Andreas Häsler

Amendments to the Statutes

  • Established: 27 January 1994
  • Subsequent amendments up to: 23 April 2026