GIS Day

GIS Day History

GIS Day aims to celebrate and promote the use of geographic information systems (GIS) across various sectors and industries. This day highlights the importance of these advanced tools in analyzing and visualizing spatial data, as well as making informed decisions to address complex issues. GIS technology plays a crucial role in areas such as land management, natural resource preservation, infrastructure development, and public safety, among many others.

First celebrated in 1999, GIS Day was inspired by geographer Ralph Nader and GIS software pioneer Esri. The event receives significant attention in the United States, as many American organizations and institutions rely on GIS technology to optimize their operations and services. In fact, the U.S. has been a global leader in the development and adoption of GIS tools and applications, which have made a profound impact on urban planning, environmental policies, disaster response, and even elections.

GIS Day is typically observed through special events, workshops, and presentations organized by schools, colleges, businesses, and government agencies. These activities offer opportunities for people to learn about and appreciate the value of GIS, as well as explore exciting developments and innovations within the field. They may include hands-on demonstrations, lectures, or even mapathons – collaborative efforts to contribute spatial data to public platforms such as OpenStreetMap. GIS Day is celebrated annually on the third Wednesday of November.

Facts & quotes about GIS Day

• The first formal GIS Day was in 1999. Esri president Jack Dangermond credited Ralph Nader with being the one who inspired the creation of the day. Nader wanted to encourage people to learn more about geography and the use of GIS systems.
• The application of GIS is limited only by the imagination of those who use it - Jack Dangermond, Esri co-founder.
• The ArcGis Living Atlas is an interactive map created by Eris and the U.S Geological Survey. It is the, foremost collection of authoritative, ready-to-use global geographic information ever assembled. It is the highest spatial resolution ecological land unit map ever created.
• The GIS job market in the United States is booming. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, geospatial technologies is one of the three sectors that would add a significant number of jobs to the U.S. economy in the next decade.

In the News and Trending in the US for GIS Day

Top things to do in the US for GIS Day

• Learn more about the power of maps with Eris' interactive map, Living Atlas.
• Search for GIS events around you at GIS Events.
• Go geocaching! Geocaching is a scavenger hunt style game where you use a GPS receiver as navigation. Here is a simple guide on how to start.
• Work with local businesses, chambers of commerce, or government agencies to organize GIS-focused events or presentations. This can help showcase GIS applications specific to the local area and highlight the benefits it brings to the community.