Today we celebrate GIS! Learn more about GIS and how its used, Via National Geographic
A geographic information system (GIS) is a computer system for capturing, storing, checking, and displaying data related to positions on Earth’s surface. GIS can show many different kinds of data on one map. This enables people to more easily see, analyze, and understand patterns and relationships.
With GIS technology, people can compare the locations of different things in order to discover how they relate to each other. For example, using GIS, the same map could include sites that produce pollution, such as gas stations, and sites that are sensitive to pollution, such as wetlands. Such a map would help people determine which wetlands are most at risk.
GIS can use any information that includes location. The location can be expressed in many different ways, such as latitude and longitude, address, or ZIP code. Many different types of information can be compared and contrasted using GIS. The system can include data about people, such as population, income, or education level. It can include information about the land, such as the location of streams, different kinds of vegetation, and different kinds of soil. It can include information about the sites of factories, farms, and schools, or storm drains, roads, and electric power lines.
GIS day is one special day where we celebrate GIS worldwide, via GISday
GIS Day provides an international forum for users of geographic information systems (GIS) technology to demonstrate real-world applications that are making a difference in our society.
GIS Day is a fun day to:
- Celebrate GIS with everyone
- Discover and explore the benefits of GIS
- Showcase the uses of GIS
- Build and nurture your GIS community
The first formal GIS Day took place in 1999. Esri president and co-founder Jack Dangermond credits Ralph Nader with being the person who inspired the creation of GIS Day. Nader considered GIS Day a good initiative for people to learn about geography, and the uses of GIS, and wanted GIS Day to be a grassroots effort that was open to everyone.
Are you hosting a GIS day event? Display your event on the GIS day events map here! Learn more about GIS day!