GIS Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about GIS Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. GIS Day is observed on November 16th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of GIS Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as cool facts you need know about GIS Day.

📅 What day is GIS Day 2024?

In 2024, GIS Day is on Thursday, November 16th. It is the 3rd Thursday in November; in 2024, it is Saturday. There are until the next observance. You also can discover all the cool details and facts about November 16, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Come together, geography enthusiasts, and join us in celebrating the incredible technology of Geographic Information Systems on GIS Day, which falls on November 16th this year. This annual holiday is observed on the third Wednesday of November, coinciding with Geography Awareness Week. GIS is considered the answer to the question “where,” as it provides a scientific framework for collecting, analyzing, and visually presenting location data to support decision-making processes. For instance, GIS aids in predicting flood zones. Whether you’re new to geography or an experienced mapmaker, GIS Day is an opportunity to appreciate the remarkable technology of GIS, acknowledge its real-world contributions, and reflect on your own GIS achievements. Let’s help others learn more about geography and GIS.

📜 GIS Day History

Ralph Nader, an American activist and lawyer, is credited with initiating GIS Day as a way to promote geography and GIS technology to the public, particularly those on the ground. However, it was the National Geographic Society (NatGeo) and the Association of American Geographers (AAG) who organized the first GIS Day event. Other organizations such as the University Consortium for Geographic Information Science, the US Geological Survey, Hewlett-Packard, and the Environmental Systems Research Institute also played a role in starting GIS Day. Today, GIS Day is celebrated by around 100,000 individuals globally and helps raise awareness about the benefits of GIS technology through various activities and events. Dr. Roger Tomlinson, who pioneered the use of GIS in Canada, recognized the early challenges of introducing this technology and referred to it as a form of missionary work. However, thanks to the efforts of pioneers like Dr. Tomlinson, GIS has gained widespread recognition and usage.

✅ GIS Day Facts

🔖 It has saved lives
John Snow, a physician, investigated the spread of cholera in London by utilizing Picquet’s method of tracking cases. Through his observations and analysis, he developed a theory that pointed to water as the main carrier of the disease.

🔖 The first satellite image was taken by the U.S.
The United States of America took the world’s initial satellite photograph on August 14, 1959, which depicted Mexico and the Pacific Ocean.

🔖 It was first used in 1832
Before Dr. Roger Tomlinson’s influential work with GIS in 1962, Charles Picquet employed spatial analysis to visually monitor the cholera epidemic in Paris, marking the initial recorded use of GIS.

👍 Why Is GIS Day Important

GIS technology is incredible, but far too few people are aware of it or are interested in it. GIS Day is an excellent chance to increase interest in GIS and maybe inspire the next generation of GIS users and developers.
GIS Day is an excellent opportunity to highlight the accomplishments of GIS soldiers, both past and present. You can talk about the works of some GIS luminaries or brag about your own accomplishments with GIS technology.
It’s not nerdy to acknowledge that treasure hunts are fantastic. We celebrate GIS Day because GIS technology advances conventional maps and unveils previously undiscovered realities about the globe. Using GIS, we may locate cryptic locations and uncover buried facts. What a thrilling treasure hunt!

🙂 How To Observe GIS Day

⚡ Join a GIS Story Map competition

⚡ Spread the word
GIS Day is a great chance to raise awareness about the incredible technology of GIS and its practical applications that can make a real difference in people’s lives. It’s an opportunity to teach others about GIS through lessons or presentations, share your own GIS work with your family, organize an event to celebrate GIS Day, and even get creative by writing a blog or composing a song to express your love for GIS technology.

⚡ Go Geocaching
You may tell a story on GIS Day. Just enter a GIS Story Map in one of the many StoryMap contests around the world, like the ArcGIS StoryMaps Competition for Sustainable Development Goals.

📅 When is GIS Day?

View all 🔗 November holidays, including 🔗 Special Interest and other 🔗 Career holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and must-know facts about GIS Day. So be sure to check back soon.