31
October
2019
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18:38 PM
Europe/Amsterdam

21st Annual Coastal Bend GIS Day, “Map Your Career with GIS,” Set for Nov. 13

Article by: Melinda Eddleman

Since 1987, the National Geographic Society has promoted geographic literacy in schools and communities and among organizations with a focus on educating youth. Their annual Geography Awareness Week is scheduled Nov. 11-15 with organizers pulling together events all over the globe to highlight how geography and technology impact our lives.

Locally, organizers are celebrating Geography Awareness Week with the 21st annual Coastal Bend GIS Day, “Map Your Career with GIS,” on Wednesday, Nov. 13. The FREE event runs 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Del Mar College (DMC) Center for Economic Development located at 3209 S. Staples in Corpus Christi. The general public across the Coastal Bend is invited to attend.

Coastal Bend GIS Day 2019 features two tracks––Education and Professional––but anyone can gain valuable insight about GIS by attending this year’s event.

The Education Track is designed to inspire and build awareness among sixth through twelfth graders and educators, along with students and faculty in higher education, about educational and career possibilities associated with GIS, Global Positioning Systems (GPS) Remote Sensing-Satellite and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) technologies. Area schools interested in registering for the event can go online for more information and to download a registration form at files.constantcontact.com/b17d2bdb001/9d9221e8-2f14-4c21-8379-2189f9fc9e1a.pdf.

The Professional Track, “How GIS Can Help Your Industry or Business,” is designed to provide professional development for individuals currently using the technology in their fields. Sessions feature experts covering topics such as Geomatics, GIS, UAS and Geosciences in fields such as energy exploration, geology, agriculture, land and wildlife management, civil engineering, surveying, transportation, utilities and videography, among many more areas. While participation is free, register online with the DMC Small Business Development Center at utsa.ecenterdirect.com/events/30196.

Questions? Contact John J. Nelson, DMC GISP instructor, at 698-1478 or jnelson1@delmar.edu.

 

What is GIS technology? It’s 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 –– streets, buildings, water and terrain –– and then turn that data into visual layers.

Coastal Bend GIS Day participants can anticipate seeing GIS, GPS, UAS 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 2019 Coastal Bend GIS Day is co-sponsored by Del Mar College, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Technology Educational Consortium, the Lone Star UAS Center of Excellence & Innovation, Coastal Bend College, Laredo Community College, the Coastal Bend GIS Users Group and the DMC Small Business Development Center, among other industry supporters and organizations.

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.