National GIS Day is November 20GIS Day Logo

Everyday Geographic Information Systems, or GIS, is improving the way we live. And with National GIS Day coming up on November 20th, the Governor's Office for Technology thought you should know more about GIS.

Strictly speaking, GIS is a computer system capable of assembling, storing, manipulating, and displaying geographically referenced information, i.e. data identified according to their locations. Practitioners also regard the total GIS as including operating personnel and the data that go into the system. Why is that important to you? Today, right here in Kentucky, GIS is being used for:

  • Crime and Traffic Analysis
  • Homeland Security
  • Trip Maps/Navigation
  • School Bus Routes/Districting
  • Tracking West Nile Disease
  • Used extensively in Newspapers and News
  • Urban and Forest Landuse Management
  • Tourism
  • Economic Development
  • GPS Units
  • FedEx, UPS, and Post Office Deliveries
  • OnStar System

In November, the Governor's Office for Technology, the Office of Geographic Information (OGI) and the Geographic Information Advisory Council (GIAC) are sponsoring two events:

First, during the week of Monday, November 18 - November 22 (Geography Awareness Week), maps and posters will be displayed in the tunnel between the Capitol and Capitol Annex to raise awareness of the many productive uses of GIS technology by talented people in Kentucky.

Second, on GIS Day, Wednesday, November 20 - a GIS booth will be displayed at the Governor's Executive Summit on Homeland Security in Owensboro, Kentucky.

For both events, the Office of Geographic Information Systems is asking state agencies to submit maps related to either event. Maps and posters can be submitted to OGI until Friday, November 15. Your agency can submit multiple maps/posters for either event or both events. Maps/posters should not exceed 34" by 44".

Get all the details by contacting Lynne O'Connor or Sandi Barker at 502-573-1450. Or e-mail them at:
lynne.o'connor@mail.state.ky.us or sandib.barker@mail.state.ky.us

They look forward to receiving your maps and posters!

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November,
2002

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