Corpus Christi, TX,
01
November
2017
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06:00 AM
Europe/Amsterdam

GIS Day 2017 Offering Learning Experiences for Wide Range of Participants Looking to “Map Their Careers”

Article by: Melinda Eddleman

The National Geographic Society (NGS) has promoted geographic literacy in schools and communities and among organizations with a focus on educating youth since 1987. Their annual Geography Awareness Week is scheduled Nov. 13-17 this year. Locally, organizers are celebrating Geography Awareness Week with the 19th Annual GIS Day of the Coastal Bend, “Map Your Career with GIS,” on Wednesday, Nov. 15.

GIS (Geographic Information Systems) Day is part of NGS’s initiative, Geography Action!, which is a year-long enterprise encompassing key educational achievements worldwide, including the Coastal Bend’s annual event in conjunction with Geography Awareness Week.

Coastal Bend GIS Day organizers have developed two tracks for the event with an Education Track designed to build “GIS Awareness” among students and educators in 6th through 12th grades and higher education. The Professional Track offers “Geospatial Technical Seminars” for individuals currently using the technology at work. The public is also welcome to participate in either track to learn more about how GIS and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) technology impacts the community and the job opportunities that these applications provide.

Area schools should schedule student group visits by returning the online registration form available at bit.ly/2xz2or4. 

Professionals need to register online though the DMC Small Business Development Center using the following link:bit.ly/2hDw7Vh. 

The FREE event is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Del Mar College’s Center for Economic Development located at 3209 S. Staples. For more information and for area schools to schedule participation, contact John Nelson, GISC Instructor at Del Mar College, at 361-698-1478 or jnelson1@delmar.edu. 

 

The 2017 Coastal Bend GIS Day is co-sponsored by Del Mar College, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Coastal Bend College, Laredo Community College, the Lone Star UAS Center of Excellence & Innovation, the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Technology Educational Consortium and the Coastal Bend GIS Users Group, among other industry supporters and organizations.

GIS technology is part of our lives and used every day by a variety of professionals in the workforce. From biology, construction technology, drafting and emergency medical services to engineering, firefighting, geology, law enforcement, social sciences, surveying and videography, among many other fields, the use of GIS technology has been globally integrated to solve problems.

The technology allows users to see geographic features on a map and provides better understanding about specific locations. Planners, analysts and other users are then able to make more informed decisions regarding their communities or the industry in which they work.

GIS encompasses computer-based mapping tools that use information from databases about locations––such as streets, buildings, water and terrain––and turn that data into visual layers. GIS technology allows users to see geographic features on a map and provides better understanding about specific locations.

GIS Day participants can anticipate seeing GIS, Global Positioning System and Remote Sensing-Satellite technology in action. Both indoor and outdoor activities will give individuals hands-on experiences with assistance from GIS professionals and experts working in industry, education and government, along with other organizations utilizing the technology.

The event also features GIS and surveying information booths, seminars and presentations to draw a clear picture about what these advances in technology will really provide in our regional, industry, government and education sectors.

What are the career opportunities available in our area? Join organizers on GIS Day to find out and “map your career with GIS.”

For more information, visit the DMC GIS Program Facebook page at bit.ly/2zt3mlW. 

 

About Del Mar College

Del Mar College empowers students to achieve their dreams. We offer quality programs, individual attention, outstanding instruction through faculty with real-world experience and affordable costs to credit and noncredit students in Corpus Christi and the South Texas Coastal Bend area. Nationally recognized while locally focused, we’re ranked in the top two percent of community colleges in the country granting associate degrees to Hispanic students (Community College Week). Del Mar College focuses on offering our students programs that match current or emerging career opportunities. Whether students are interested in the fine arts, sciences, business, occupational or technical areas, students get the education they need for the future they want at Del Mar College.