20th Annual Coastal Bend GIS Day Scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 14
Public welcome to participate in two tracks: “Education” and “Professional”
Article by: Jason Houlihan
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 this week, Nov. 12-16.
Locally, organizers are celebrating Geography Awareness Week with the 20th annual Coastal Bend GIS Day, themed “The Science of Where,” on Wednesday, Nov. 14. (GIS stands for Geographic Information Systems.)
The FREE event is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Del Mar College’s (DMC) Center for Economic Development located at 3209 S. Staples.
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, “How GIS Can Help Your Industry or Business,” is for those currently using the technology at work.
Professionals can register online though the DMC Small Business Development Center using the following link: https://bit.ly/2NfuzP1.
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 they provide.
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 and law enforcement, 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 attendees hands-on experiences with assistance from GIS professionals and experts.
The event also features GIS and surveying information booths, seminars and presentations to draw a clear picture about what these advances in technology will offer in our regional industry, government and education sectors.
The 2018 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 DMC Small Business Development Center, among other industry supporters and organizations.
For more information about Coastal Bend GIS Day, call 361-698-1021 or visit the DMC GIS Program Facebook page at http://bit.ly/2zt3mlW.
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.