Eleventh annual GIS Day @ KU to explore mapping, data
LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas will host the 11th annual GIS Day @ KU on Wednesday, Nov. 14, part of an international celebration that recognizes practical applications and technological innovations in geographic information systems, commonly known as GIS.
The symposium, which will be 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the fourth floor of the Kansas Union, is free and open to the public. GIS Day @ KU will include presentations by GIS experts from KU and other GIS groups on topics including geospatial intelligence at the Environmental Protection Agency, 3D campus modeling and more. The event also includes an information and job fair as well as a student presentation competition.
"GIS Day comes around once a year and is a chance for GIS and map enthusiasts to explore how others are using geospatial technologies," said Rhonda Houser, GIS specialist in KU Libraries. "This year's speakers represent three important federal government agencies for GIS, a regional engineering firm, local government and academia."
GIS Day @ KU is sponsored by KU Libraries, the KU Department of Geography, the KU Institute for Policy & Social Research, the State of Kansas Data Access and Support Center and several other KU academic departments and regional companies.
KU Libraries is a campus partner in facilitating the GIS and mapping-related research of KU students, staff and faculty through the Center for Digital Scholarship. The GIS and Data Lab in Anschutz Library provides assistance finding and working with geospatial data, as well as workshops and other instructional resources.
GIS technology allows users to create, store and analyze spatially referenced data and imagery. Users can then share that information with maps and charts, sometimes via the Internet. GIS combines the visual appeal and effectiveness of a map with the power of information, i.e., the database linked to the map. The Internet adds to a wider array of uses and increased accessibility.
"The symposium offers much to GIS novices and professionals alike, and all are welcome to stay for the day," Houser said. "The formal and informal sharing of ideas and mingling of people from various fields of GIS-related study and work all make GIS Day a success."
Those interested may attend part or all of the symposium. For a detailed schedule and to register, visit online.