Lieutenant Governor Steve Pence Keynotes
Cutting-edge Technology Conference

September 7, 2004

Whether you've heard of GIS or not, you've probably used it. Often called "mapping software," geographic information systems (GIS) link attributes and characteristics of an area to its geographic location. If you've ever visited realtor.com, amazon.com, or clicked on "maps" at yahoo.com, you've used GIS. GIS brings data to life and is being used in almost every industry and marketplace you can think of, including right here in Kentucky state government. On September 26-27, the Commonwealth Office of Technology is hosting the 11th 2004 Kentucky Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Conference in Lexington, Kentucky. Local and state agencies from Kentucky and surrounding states will gather to hear about the latest tools, technologies and business uses of GIS. The keynote speaker this year is Kentucky's Lieutenant Governor Steve Pence.

"GIS is helping those of us who run state government make better, more accurate decisions," Lt. Governor Pence commented. "We're collecting data in so many areas around the Commonwealth, but GIS is allowing us to see that data in a whole new light. It's helping to improve how we deliver services to citizens and businesses and manage state resources to improve efficiency. This is a cutting-edge area of information technology, so I'm excited to be participating in this year's conference."

The Commonwealth Map implementation exhibits nearly two decades of
collective GIS efforts in Kentucky. Many agencies have pooled talent and
resources to create and distribute these critical base GIS layers. The site
can be viewed at the following two sites:
http://kygeonet.ky.gov/tcm/viewer.htm
http://kygeonet.ky.gov/simplemap/

The Commonwealth of Kentucky uses GIS to help build roads, manage water resources, plan land use, protect Kentucky's natural resources, map mines and so much more. Over 400 attendees are expected at this year's conference from schools and universities, government agencies, law enforcement agencies, public and private utilities, consulting firms, and hardware and software companies. The conference will feature over 50 presentations by GIS users, optional workshops and exhibitors who will be demonstrating the latest GIS technology and services.

For more information or to sign up for the 2004 Kentucky Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Conference, visit: http://ogi.ky.gov or call the Office of Geographic Information at (502) 573-1450.

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