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Toronto , Ontario - GIS Day is a global event that is part of the National Geographic Society's Geography Awareness Week, which focuses on promoting awareness about geography education. Games, open houses, lectures, and a host of other activities will spread the word about the power of the innovative technology and its critical presence in daily life. Over 30 organizations across Canada will be participating in GIS day by hosting celebrations, many open to the general public.
Geographic information systems (GIS) is a computer-based mapping tool that takes database information about a location, including streets, buildings, water features, and terrain, and turns it into visual layers. The ability to see and analyze geographic features on a map gives users a better understanding of a particular location. In turn, planners, analysts, and others can make informed decisions about their communities, the environment, and businesses.
Several Canadian government organizations and colleges and universities are participating in this year's GIS Day including the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, University of Alberta, City of Edmonton, Guelph Hydro Electric Systems, Dalhousie University, Municipality of Chatham-Kent, University of Ottawa, County of Oxford, City of Saint John, and City of Richmond. Events include presentations made by local companies, organizations, and students using GIS. To find out more about the GIS Day events in Canada please visit www.esricanada.com/gisday.
Throughout Canada, GIS is used to solve problems related to the environment, health care,land use, business efficiency, education, and public safety. GIS tools help users efficiently plan how to deliver power to homes, define routes for police to patrol neighborhoods, and improve government operations. The technology is also a key tool to aid communities in preparing for and responding to emergency situations.
Held each year on the Wednesday of National Geographic Society's Geography Awareness Week, GIS Day is a global event that celebrates the technology and extends awareness of its important contributions in science, technology, information, and the humanities. The event is a reflection of the enthusiasm and commitment of individual GIS users everywhere. Last year's GIS Day included more than 900 registered events in 73 countries around the world.
About GIS Day
GIS Day is an annual event held as a part of the National Geographic Society's Geography Awareness Week and Geography Action! Initiative. The international grassroots event promotes geographic literacy in schools, communities, and organizations and enables GIS users and vendors to open their doors and sponsor events that spread knowledge about the capabilities of GIS technology and the importance of geography throughout their communities.
About ESRI Canada:
Established in 1984, ESRI Canada is a Canadian owned company specializing in geographic information systems (GIS) solutions. We distribute the world's leading GIS software solutions from ESRI Inc., Miner and Miner, and Azteca. In order to provide organizations with complete industry-specific solutions we have established an extensive business partner program that includes more than 125 Canadian organizations. ESRI Canada also provides professional services including consulting, training, technical support, and enterprise GIS implementation. We are leaders in providing world-class enterprise GIS solutions for many industries including local government, utilities, public safety and defence, business demographics, education, natural resources, and transportation. ESRI Canada has thirteen regional offices across the country, with headquarters in Toronto, Ontario. For more information, please visit http://www.esricanada.com/ or call 1-800-447-9778.
Media Contact:
Heather Adams
Communications Specialist
ESRI Canada
T: 416-386-6463
E: hadams@esricanada.com
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