City Hall marks GIS Day with event today

While many people may be familiar with Geographic Information Systems through applications such as online maps and vehicle navigation systems, GIS has a number of other uses, from community planning to crime mapping to knowing where a streetlight may be out.

The City of Yuma invites residents to learn more about these applications during GIS Day on Thursday. Representatives from various city departments will have informational booths set up illustrating ways they use GIS in service to city customers.

The GIS Day event will be 1 to 4 p.m. in the lobby of City Hall, 1 City Plaza (3rd Street between 1st Avenue and Madison Avenue). Members of the public are invited. It is free to attend.

Learn more about how the city uses GIS on the city’s website: www.yumaaz.gov.

GIS Day was first observed in 1999. More than 18 years ago, consumer advocate Ralph Nader presented an idea to Jack Dangermond, founder and president of Esri, a company that provides GIS software and applications: Dedicate one day to show how geographic intelligence touches everyone. That led to the establishment of GIS Day.

The explosion of geospatial technology since then has expanded that idea into a global event that demonstrates how far GIS extends into people’s lives and provides a forum for users to showcase their unique GIS accomplishments.

“This is an amazing event where all our users around the world get together to appreciate each other’s work, whether it’s jumping to action as first responders in flood zones and wildfires, or finding the best place to open a new business,” Dangermond said. “We should be proud of the achievements our users make in the field of GIS, and this is a way to celebrate that.”