SpatialNews Press Release
Discover GIS Day 2001
Celebrate Your World
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Redlands, California-On Wednesday, November 14, discover GIS Day 2001, a global event
that celebrates geographic information system (GIS) technology, which is revolutionizing our
world through geography. GIS Day serves to make people aware of mapping technology and the
vital contributions it is making in the fields of science, technology, information, and the
humanities. It is a day for GIS enthusiasts to show individuals and organizations how to apply
geographic information in their own communities, businesses, and environments and experience
the amazing benefits of GIS technology.
GIS is a computer-based tool for mapping and understanding objects and events and is
rapidly changing the face of information technology. It combines the power of a database with
the visualization capabilities offered by maps. GIS technology is used throughout the world to
solve problems in such areas as environmental protection, health care, land use, business
efficiency, education, social inequities, and much more. GIS helps the police make our
neighborhoods safer, our energy providers supply us with continuous power, firefighters prevent
and extinguish fires, and health officials keep us free from disease. Most people are unaware of
it, but GIS technology probably touches every aspect of their lives. They are probably benefiting
from GIS technology when they receive a delivery, purchase a product at a store, use an
automated teller machine, pull a map off the Internet, or stop at a fast-food restaurant.
Last year's GIS Day was widely successful. Nearly 81countries sponsored GIS Day events,
and 20 United States governors, as well as public officials in 18 cities and counties, made GIS
Day proclamations for their jurisdictions.
"GIS is being used today in thousands of unique applications, which touch each and every
one of us," said Jack Dangermond, ESRI president. "GIS Day has become an eagerly anticipated
event throughout our entire user community because it allows those people directly involved
with the technology to share their knowledge, experiences, and excitement with other members
of their organizations and the general public."
This year GIS Day is part of the National Geographic Society's new initiative, Geography
Action 2001, a yearlong program encompassing key educational achievements such as GIS Day
and Geography Awareness Week. Each year this initiative will have a different focus; this year's
focus is geography and the health of our nation's rivers.
"Not only is GIS revolutionizing mapmaking, but it is vastly enriching our understanding of
the earth," said Allen Carroll, National Geographic Society's chief cartographer. "National
Geographic is pleased to join with ESRI, our GIS partners, and people around the globe to
celebrate technology that allows us to explore the world, appreciate its richness, and preserve its
precious resources."
Users of GIS technology are invited to be a part of this worldwide educational mission and
register to host an event. Participating organizations will receive support in promoting their event
to local schools, newspapers, and other organizations. For event registration, support, and ideas,
or to find a GIS Day 2001 event near you, log on to www.gisday.com.
GIS Day is principally sponsored by ESRI, the National Geographic Society, the Association
of American Geographers, the U.S. Geological Survey, the Library of Congress, and the
University Consortium for Geographic Information Science.
For more than 30 years, ESRI has been the leading developer of GIS software with more than
300,000 clients worldwide. ESRI also provides consulting, implementation, and technical
support services. In addition to its headquarters in California, ESRI has regional offices
throughout the United States, international distributors in more than 90 countries, and more than
1,200 business partners. ESRI's goal is to provide users with comprehensive tools to help them
quickly and efficiently manage and use geographic information to make a real difference in the
world around them. ESRI can be found on the Web at www.esri.com.
ESRI and the ESRI globe logo are trademarks of ESRI, registered in the United States and certain other countries;
registration is pending in the European Community. GIS by ESRI and GIS Day are trademarks and www.esri.com
and @esri.com are service marks of ESRI. Other companies and products mentioned herein are trademarks or
registered trademarks of their respective trademark owners.
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