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What
is GIS Day?
GIS Day is a
grassroots event that formalizes the practice of geographic information
systems (GIS) users and vendors of opening their doors to schools,
businesses, and the general public to showcase real-world applications
of this important technology. The event is principally sponsored
by the National Geographic Society, the Association of American
Geographers, University Consortium for Geographic Information Science,
the United States Geological Survey, The Library of Congress, Sun
Microsystems, Hewlett–Packard, and ESRI.
GIS Day is part
of the National Geographic Society's exciting new initiative, Geography
Action, which is a year-long initiative encompassing key educational
achievements such as GIS Day and Geography Awareness Week. The theme
for 2003 was "Habitats." In addition to events such as GIS Day and
Geography Awareness Week, there will also be many worldwide activities
supporting geography action, with their goal being to engage people
in learning and caring about geography.
The National
Geographic Society has sponsored Geography Awareness Week since
1987 to promote geographic literacy in schools, communities, and
organizations, with a focus on the education of children. GIS Day
is held on the Wednesday during Geography Awareness Week. GIS Day
2007 will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2007.
In 2003, hundreds
of organizations hosted GIS Day events in countries
all around the world. Be sure to read about some of them on
the Success Stories
page. Through the combined efforts of GIS Day participants, millions
of children and adults were educated on GIS technology through geography.
GIS users and
vendors are invited to join 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, Hewlett–Packard, and
ESRI in opening their doors for GIS Day.
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