Where will you be and what will you be doing on Wednesday, Nov. 13? A GIS will know when you get there.
Del Mar College is inviting the community to “discover the world through Geographic Information Systems (GIS)” next Wednesday during its annual GIS Day.
The event showcases GIS technology and how it is used on campus and around the world. GIS technology has uses in engineering, planning, transport and telecommunications, allowing governments and businesses to work more efficiently by collecting and applying geographical information.
The 21st annual GIS Day is a national event that provides an opportunity to showcase the different applications of Geographic Information Systems right here in the Coastal Bend.
"It is the ability to take dynamic information whether it is points, lines, polygons, raster, or pixels and tag them with and xyz coordinate with also with additional attribute information," said Del Mar College GISP instructor John J. Nelson. "So you can run query for businesses, community, farming, agriculture, surveying, you name it; it is a vital application in many different industries in government."
GIS Day brings universities, government agencies, schools, nonprofits and GIS professionals together to build knowledge of GIS in their communities, and create understanding about the world.
"The goal is to enlighten the general public and students as to all the capabilities of geospatial technology," said Nelson. "It is being used right now around them every day in their daily life, whether they know it or not. And to become part of it is the way of truly being able to utilize it."
GIS is a valuable program for students who are looking to get out there and do something professional that really helps people and helps the environment.
"Here is the key: You may want to go into geography, or biology, or law enforcement'" said Nelson. "Or you may want to go work for the fire department. All those fields use geospatial technology. So knowing GIS and being able to apply it in a whole litany of different types of occupations -- social sciences, natural sciences, work and trade, other occupations within the government. So we want those students and those faculty members to understand that these opportunities are here and now."
The Coastal Bend GIS Day will feature an education track and a professional track.
"We are also going to have presentations, workshops, seminars by experts in the field of geospatial technology, and UAS (unmanned aircraft systems/drones), GPS, surveying, and what have you," he said.
The free event is scheduled is being held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Del Mar College’s Center for Economic Development (3209 S. Staples). The general public is invited to attend.
The 2019 Coastal Bend GIS Day is co-sponsored by Del Mar College, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Technology Educational Consortium, the Lone Star UAS Center of Excellence & Innovation, Coastal Bend College, Laredo Community College, the Coastal Bend GIS Users Group and the DMC Small Business Development Center, among other industry supporters and organizations.
Since 1987, the National Geographic Society has promoted geographic literacy in schools and communities and among organizations with a focus on educating youth. Their annual Geography Awareness Week runs from Nov. 11-15, with organizers pulling together events all over the globe to highlight how geography and technology impact our lives.
For more information Contact John J. Nelson, DMC GISP instructor, at 698-1478 or nelson1@delmar.edu. You can also visit: https://www.facebook.com/DMCGeospatialProgram
