Celebrating Mapping and 25 years of GIS Day
On November 20, 2024, the world will come together to celebrate the 25th anniversary of GIS Day, a global event that highlights the power of Geographic Information System (GIS) technology.
Organised by Esri, the global leader in GIS and mapping solutions, GIS Day is a moment for professionals, students, and geography enthusiasts to explore how this technology is transforming industries and solving real-world challenges.
This year’s theme, Mapping Minds, Shaping the World: 25 Years of GIS Excellence, encapsulates the profound impact that GIS has had in revolutionising our understanding of the world. With more than 4,000 events planned globally, from webinars and workshops to presentations and interactive activities, GIS Day 2024 promises to be a dynamic showcase of the innovations driving geospatial technology.
The Power of Geographic Intelligence
At its core, GIS Day is more than just an event; it’s a movement that underscores how geographic intelligence is integral to addressing some of the world’s most pressing issues. From sustainable urban planning to climate change mitigation, GIS technology offers the tools to analyse data in the context of location, enabling informed decision-making and better outcomes.
Jack Dangermond, President of Esri and the visionary behind GIS Day, reflects on the journey: “GIS Day has become a significant opportunity for mapping enthusiasts and geospatial technology scientists alike to come together to share their meaningful work. The challenges we face—from sustainable urban planning at the local level, to protecting ocean health on a global scale—are all geographic in nature. Seeing how the GIS community is taking a geographic approach to solving these issues, while inspiring a new generation of professionals, is what makes this day truly special.”
A Collaborative and Educational Celebration
GIS Day’s 25th anniversary focuses on the collaborative spirit that defines the geospatial community. This year’s events will highlight how the fusion of human ingenuity and technological innovation is helping people worldwide uncover hidden patterns, promote sustainable development, and make better decisions using spatial insights.
Participants can look forward to:
- Interactive Webinars and Workshops: Industry experts will dive into the latest applications of GIS, covering topics from environmental conservation to urban planning and disaster management.
- Success Stories Across Industries: Presentations and case studies will reveal how GIS is being applied in various sectors, such as healthcare, transportation, and public safety, showcasing the diverse impact of this technology.
- Educational Outreach and Community Events: Schools, universities, and local communities will host events aimed at inspiring the next generation of GIS professionals, from hands-on map-making sessions to classroom talks.
The event’s educational component cannot be overstated. Since its inception in 1999, GIS Day has played a pivotal role in raising awareness about the importance of geographic intelligence. What began as an idea from consumer advocate Ralph Nader, who suggested dedicating a day to showcase how GIS impacts everyday life, has blossomed into a global celebration. Over the years, users have hosted thousands of events—from school presentations to community mapping projects—spreading knowledge and inspiring new applications of this transformative technology.
From Mapping Tools to Global Problem Solvers
Over the past 25 years, GIS technology has evolved from simple mapping tools into sophisticated platforms capable of handling complex data analysis across multiple layers of geography. Today, GIS is the backbone of countless applications, from managing natural resources to optimising supply chains and responding to natural disasters.
Esri, which was founded in 1969 in Redlands, California, has been at the forefront of this evolution. The company’s software is deployed in hundreds of thousands of organisations worldwide, ranging from Fortune 500 companies to government agencies and non-profits. Esri’s global reach, with offices and partners in over 100 countries, reflects the universal need for location intelligence in solving the world’s most critical challenges.
Mapping a Sustainable Tomorrow
As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of GIS Day, it’s clear that the role of GIS will only continue to grow in importance. The technology’s ability to provide real-time data, analyse complex scenarios, and present insights visually makes it a crucial tool in planning for a sustainable future. Whether it’s mapping out strategies for reducing carbon emissions or planning resilient cities, GIS offers a geographic approach to problem-solving that is unparalleled.
The significance of GIS extends beyond the technology itself. It’s about fostering a community of professionals, educators, and enthusiasts who are passionate about using geography to make the world a better place. GIS Day 2024 is not just a celebration of the past 25 years but a call to action for the next generation of geospatial thinkers.
A Legacy of Innovation and Collaboration
Reflecting on the legacy of GIS Day, Jack Dangermond’s vision of a world where geography plays a central role in decision-making has become a reality. The day continues to inspire collaboration and innovation, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds to explore how mapping and spatial analysis can shape our collective future.
Looking ahead, GIS technology is poised to tackle even bigger challenges. As global crises become increasingly complex and interlinked, the ability to map and analyse geographic data will be critical in creating solutions that are both effective and equitable.
For those who are curious about GIS or are seasoned experts in the field, GIS Day’s 25th anniversary is a reminder of the power of geographic intelligence. It’s a chance to see how far the technology has come and to imagine where it can take us in the next 25 years and beyond.
