SpatialNews Press Release
Celebrate the World Around You
GIS Day 2002 Puts Geography in the Spotlight
www.gisday.com
www.esri.com
Redlands, California-More often than not, there is more to a
map than what meets the eye, and that something is usually a
geographic information system (GIS). If you are curious
about GIS, you will be able to see it in action during the
many events planned for the fourth annual GIS Day,
Wednesday, November 20, 2002.
Part of the National Geographic Society's Geography
Awareness Week, GIS Day is a global event during which some
of the more than two million GIS users open their doors to
schools, businesses, and the public to help spread a better
awareness of this important technology.
A GIS is a computer-based mapping tool that takes
information from a database about a place, such as streets,
buildings, water features, and terrain, and turns it into
visual layers. Being able to see all of these features on
one map gives you a better understanding of a particular
location and enables planners and analysts to make informed
decisions about their communities.
While most are not aware of it, GIS touches our lives
daily. It is used throughout the world 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 help farmers grow more crops with less
chemicals.
More than 80 countries held GIS Day events during GIS Day
2001, and there were events in all 50 of the United States.
ESRI and Sun Microsystems, Inc., hosted the first GIS
Quest!, a one-of-a-kind, free, interactive Web cast that
enabled participants to experience GIS firsthand. Players
visited multiple, live GIS-powered Web sites and learned
about the substantial contributions that GIS technology
makes in their communities. GIS Quest! is online at
www.gisquest.org.
"GIS Day celebrates geography and GIS as tools that help
us see how our world is connected and integrated. Our users
support GIS Day enthusiastically because these events enable
them to make millions of people aware of the wonderful ways
GIS can help make our communities more sustainable, more
participatory, and more successful," says Jack Dangermond,
ESRI president.
The National Geographic Society will incorporate GIS Day
activities into its Geography Action! 2002 program, which
will focus on America's public lands as its theme. The aim
of the project is to call attention to the role of public
lands through educational endeavors and the adventures of
two groups of travelers who will trek through U.S. public
lands.
"Recent global events have caused a surge in map demand
as people seek to better understand the world we live in,"
says Allen Carroll, National Geographic's chief
cartographer. "GIS is revolutionizing mapmaking. It allows
us to vividly depict our changing world with accurate, in-
depth, and timely information that fosters a greater
understanding and appreciation of the planet. We are pleased
to join with ESRI and our other GIS partners to celebrate
GIS Day and geography awareness."
GIS enthusiasts are invited to be a part of GIS Day's
worldwide education 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 2002 event near you, log on to
www.gisday.com.
GIS Day is principally sponsored by the National
Geographic Society, the Association of American Geographers,
the University Consortium for Geographic Information
Science, the United States Geological Survey, the Library of
Congress, Sun Microsystems, and ESRI.
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 1,400 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, the ESRI globe logo, GIS by ESRI, GIS Day,
www.esri.com, and @esri.com are trademarks, registered
trademarks, or service marks of ESRI in the United States,
the European Community, or certain other jurisdictions.
Other companies and products mentioned herein are trademarks
or registered trademarks of their respective trademark
owners.
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