Pennsylvania 'GIS Day' to Showcase Cutting-Edge Technologies, Jobs

HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The public can learn more about computer-based mapping applications known as "geospatial information systems" at GIS Day, hosted by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Harrisburg Area Community College on Wednesday, Nov. 16.

The free event will take place from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at HACC's Midtown II site, 1500 N. Third St., Harrisburg. Free parking is available off Reily Street, between Third and Fourth streets.

Governor Corbett has proclaimed Nov. 16 as "GIS Day" in Pennsylvania, highlighting the promising career opportunities that exist in the field of geospatial information systems.

In the morning, area high school students will learn about GIS, how it affects their daily lives and potential careers in the field. The afternoon will include sessions and workshops for GIS professionals. State agencies and Pennsylvania businesses also will demonstrate real-life applications of GIS and the tools used to create them. 

"State government relies on GIS applications to provide vital information and services, such as helping new businesses determine where to locate facilities in Pennsylvania, allowing visitors and residents to plan the perfect PA getaway and much more," said George White, the state's chief information officer. "It is a powerful tool with enormous possibilities."

The Office of Administration's Geospatial Technology Operations Office provides a variety of GIS-related services, including data and software licenses; application, data and Web hosting; address verification and geocoding; and governance of GIS initiatives.  State agencies, local governments, schools and first responders can learn more about these services at www.gis.state.pa.us. More information about GIS Day is available at http://gisday2011.yolasite.com/. 

Editor's Note: The text of Governor Corbett's proclamation follows:

Geospatial Information Systems Day 2011 – Nov. 16, 2011

WHEREAS, geospatial technology transforms previously hand-produced maps into high-quality Web applications that are beneficial to government agencies, public safety, utilities, businesses, and others; and

WHEREAS, commonwealth agencies use geospatial technologies in a variety of ways to improve government operations and deliver services to citizens; and

WHEREAS, geospatial technologies support the deployment and tracking of commonwealth vehicles such as snow plows, military and veteran affair vehicles, and State Police cruisers during emergencies and other events, as well as the mapping of voter districts, tax valuations, agricultural conditions, and other government functions; and

WHEREAS, Web-based mapping applications provide the public with access to geographic data such as road and weather conditions, the locations of historical and recreational destinations, current and future flood risk, broadband service availability, and more; and

WHEREAS, web mapping is critical to guide homeowners, renters as well as communities through the process of determining their current and future flood risk based on the preliminary Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (DFIRMs); and

WHEREAS, the process of  collecting geospatial data using mobile mapping technology, is being used to improve the management and allocation of liquid fuel assets, assist with local planning, streamline both business and data collection workflow processes, improve the accuracy of county inventories, and provide a geospatial reference for better planning and asset management for state and local authorities; and

WHEREAS, online mapping tools help citizens locate a variety of public services in their communities, such as child care centers, personal care homes, and employment and training programs; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth's Geospatial Technology Operations Office oversees  state government geospatial services to maximize efficiency and cost effectiveness, enhance information sharing, and reduce expenditures.

WHEREAS, GIS Day provides an international forum for users of geographic information systems (GIS) technology to demonstrate real-world applications that are making a difference in our society.

THEREFORE, I, Tom Corbett, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, do hereby proclaim November 16, 2011 as GIS Day. Given under my hand and the Seal of the Governor, at the City of Harrisburg, on this sixteenth day of November in the year of our Lord two thousand and eleven, and of the Commonwealth the two hundred and thirty fifth.

TOM CORBETT, Governor

Media contact: Dan Egan, 717-772-4237

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of Administration