The National Geographic Society (NGS) has long promoted geographic literacy in schools and communities, as well as among organizations with a focus on educating youth. Their annual Geography Awareness Week is happening now, and local organizers are celebrating with the 20th Annual GIS Day of the Coastal Bend.
GIS (Geographic Information Systems) technology is part of our lives and used every day by a variety of professionals in the workforce. That includes biology, construction technology, drafting, emergency medical services, engineering, firefighting, geology, law enforcement, social sciences, surveying and videography.
The technology allows users to see geographic features on a map by encompassing computer-based mapping tools that use information from databases about locations — such as streets, buildings, water and terrain — and turn that data into visual layers.
Participants in GIS Day can anticipate seeing GIS, Global Positioning System and Remote Sensing-Satellite technology in action. Both indoor and outdoor activities will give individuals hands-on experiences with assistance from GIS professionals and experts.
GIS Day includes two tracks, with an Education Track designed to build GIS awareness among students and educators in 6th through 12th grades and higher education.
The Professional Track offers a look at how GIS can help an industry or businesses who are using the technology.
The public is welcome to participate in either track to learn more about how GIS and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) technology impacts the community and the job opportunities that these applications provide.
Area schools who would like to schedule student group visits should register online at https://bit.ly/2N5kFiQ.
Professionals should register online though the DMC Small Business Development Center at https://bit.ly/2NfuzP1.
The FREE event is scheduled for Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Del Mar College’s Center for Economic Development (3209 S. Staples).
For more information, call (361) 698-1021.
The 2018 Coastal Bend GIS Day is co-sponsored by Del Mar College, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Coastal Bend College, Laredo Community College, the Lone Star UAS Center of Excellence & Innovation, the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Technology Educational Consortium and the DMC Small Business Development Center, as well as other industry supporters and organizations.
Visit the DMC GIS Program Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/DMCGeospatialProgram.
