GIS Day is an annual event celebrating geographic information systems (GIS) based technologies. The event first took place in 1999.[1] It was initiated by spatial analytics software provider Esri. Esri president and co-founder Jack Dangermond credits Ralph Nader with being the person who inspired the creation of GIS Day.[2] He considered the event a good initiative for people to learn about geography and the many uses of GIS. He wanted GIS Day to be a grassroots effort and open to everyone to participate.

NOAA Earth System image, a GIS example
NOAA Earth System image, a GIS example

Today, the event provides an international forum for users of GIS technology from across the GIS industry to demonstrate real-world applications that are making a difference in society. Originally the Canada Geographic Information System developed in the 1960s by Roger Tomlinson, it is now used worldwide.

Original sponsors of GIS Day included the following organizations:

GIS Day is celebrated on the third Wednesday in November; upcoming dates:

  • Wednesday, November 20, 2024
  • Wednesday, November 19, 2025
  • Wednesday, November 18, 2026
  • Wednesday, November 17, 2027
  • Wednesday, November 15, 2028
  • Wednesday, November 21, 2029
  • Wednesday, November 20, 2030

Additional resources

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References

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  1. ^ "GIS Day 2022 | Celebrate GIS & Inspire Others in Your Community".
  2. ^ "Discovering the World on GIS Day". Esri. 2018-11-13. Retrieved 2024-04-10. The first formal GIS Day took place in 1999. Esri president and cofounder Jack Dangermond credits Ralph Nader with being the person who inspired the creation of GIS Day.
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