Residents of Raleigh and the surrounding areas are getting ready to celebrate GIS Day 2024, an event honing in on the expansive role of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in our daily lives. The city's Information Technology Department is set to host this educational event at Raleigh Union Station on November 21, offering the community a profound chance to engage with the technology at the core of mapping and geographical analysis. According to the official announcement by the City of Raleigh, the day will kick off at 8:30 a.m., followed by an opening statement by City CIO Mark Wittenburg at 9:00 a.m.
The festivities include hands-on activities, demonstrations, and a special map contest aimed at engaging students to creatively showcase their skills with GIS-based methods. For those looking to dive right into GIS' impactful presence within state and local governments, the event is an open invitation to freely discover and partake from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Those interested in the map competition can still submit their entries until November 14th, as outlined in the event details provided by the City of Raleigh.
GIS Day 2024 isn't just about showcasing technology – it's a platform for various organizations to illustrate the practical applications of GIS. Participants can expect to learn from organizations including the NC Department of Environmental Quality, the NC Department of Health and Human Services, and the Wake County Public Schools, to name a few. Each entity will elucidate how GIS not only solves problems but also enhances our understanding of the world that surrounds us, the City of Raleigh notes.
An original map contest has also been announced as part of the slew of GIS Day activities, engaging students to put their GIS prowess to the test. To be eligible, students' maps must adhere to size and format specifications and include elements generated using GIS-based methods. The competition promises to not only challenge aspiring cartographers but to also recognize their creativity and skill with a public vote to declare the winner. For assistance and more information on submission guidelines, the City urges potential contestants to reach out via email to [email protected].
The event is free of charge, open to everyone, and especially suited for the GIS-curious individuals among us. For additional information on the event logistics including parking details at Raleigh Union Station, interested parties are encouraged to visit the official website. For any further questions, the City's GIS Day team is reachable through the aforementioned email address.
