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A little bit of history on GIS DAY and San Antonio
Since 2004 the local Geographic Information System(GIS) professionals have hosted a GIS DAY event. GIS Day is a grassroots event that encourages GIS users to open their doors to schools, businesses, and the general public to showcase real-world applications of this important technology. It is a way for GIS users to share their knowledge and passion with others and show the tremendous impact the technology is making in our lives each day. The first ever national GIS Day began in 1999 and has been celebrated by more than 10,000 organizations in over 80 countries. The San Antonio GIS Day provides an opportunity for those curious about GIS to see its applications in action. GIS is a computer-based mapping tool that takes information from a database about a location, such as streets, buildings, water features, and terrain, and turns it into visual layers. The ability to see geographic features on a map gives users a better understanding of a particular location, enabling planners, analysts, and others to make informed decisions about their communities.
Did you know that GIS was used to map the debris field following the Space Shuttle Columbia tragedy. In fact many local GIS professionals volunteered to help in the effort.
Although you may not be aware of it, GIS touches our lives daily. It is used throughout the world to solve problems related to the environment, health care, land use, business efficiency, education, and public safety. The power supply directed to homes, the patrol cars and fire trucks that keep neighborhoods safe, and the delivery trucks on the road all function more efficiently because of GIS. This technology can also help businesses place ATMs and restaurants at more convenient locations, allow people to pull maps off the Internet, and help farmers grow more crops with less chemicals.
