GIS Day 2009
GIS Day in Corpus Christi
National GeoTech Center at Del Mar College • 101 Baldwin Blvd. • Corpus Christi, Texas 78404-3897
For immediate release October 14, 2009
Contact: John J. Nelson, GeoTech Center Communications
Phone: 361.698.1478
Email: jnelson1@delmar.edu
Local GIS Day Event, “GIS Technology is Changing Our World,” Set for Nov. 18
as part of National Geographic Society’s Geography Awareness Week
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Del Mar College, GeoTech Center and GISSO co-hosting learning opportunity available at TAMU-CC’s Blucher Institute
Each year, the National Geographic Society recognizes Geography Awareness Week, which is Nov. 16-20 this year and includes GIS Day on Nov. 18. GIS Day is a global observation meant to build awareness about geographic information system (GIS) technology and the impact GIS applications have on a variety of fields such as science, technology, information and the humanities.
“GIS Technology is Changing Our World” is a free co-hosted event scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 18, to provide students with area school districts, local residents and area professionals the opportunity to learn more about GIS applications and to see their use in action. The local GIS Day event is being held at the Conrad Blucher Institute at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC), located at 6300 Ocean Drive. For more information and for area schools to make arrangements to schedule students’ participation, call John Nelson with the GeoTech Center at 361-698-1478.
Other hosts include Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Del Mar College (DMC), the National GeoTech Center at DMC and the Geographic Information Science Student Organization (GISSO).
Participants can anticipate seeing GIS, GPS (Global Positioning System) and Remote Sensing-Satellite Technology in action. Both indoor and outdoor activities will give individuals hands-on experience with assistance from GIS professionals and experts working in industry, education and government and with other organizations utilizing the technology. The event also features information booths and presentations to draw a clear picture about what these advances in technology really provide and the career opportunities available.
Higher education institutions participating during this year’s GIS Day will also have information about the programs they offer for students and residents interested in majoring in fields related to the technology.
GEOTECH CENTER/2009 GIS Day
Individuals may not know that GIS technology touches everyone’s lives daily. Globally, the technology is used to solve problems related to the environment, health care, land use, business efficiency, education and public safety. The power supply directed to homes, the patrol cars and fire trucks that keep neighborhoods safe and the delivery trucks on the road all function more efficiently because of GIS. This technology can also help businesses place ATMs and restaurants at more convenient locations, allow people to pull maps off the Internet and assist farmers in growing more crops with fewer chemicals.
GIS encompasses computer-based mapping tools that use information from databases about locations––such as streets, buildings, water features and terrain––and turn that data into visual layers. The technology allows users to see geographic features on a map and provides better understanding about specific locations. Planners, analysts and other users are then able to make more informed decisions regarding their communities or the industry in which they work.
To learn more about certificate and degree programs offered by area higher education institutions as well as resources provided by the National GeoTech Center, use the following links:
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
http://gisc.tamucc.edu/
Texas A&M University-Kingsville
http://physics.tamuk.edu/geosciences/geo_newsletter09_MAR.pdf
Del Mar College
http://gistech.delmar.edu/overview.htm
National GeoTech Center
http://www.geotechcenter.org/
