UDMS, the Urban Data Management Society, has organised international symposia at various locations in Europe in order to promote the development of information systems in local government since 1971.

An important aim of UDMS has been to provide a forum for people to discuss new approaches, to consider new technologies, and to share practical experiences in the field of urban data management. The focus has been on urban applications, but regional and rural issues have always been well represented and have grown recently in importance.