GIS Day
From urban planning to disaster relief, explore the world like never before with cutting-edge technology that brings maps to life.
Position GIS technology and mapping solutions as essential tools for professionals, educators, and community-minded organizations solving real-world problems from urban planning to disaster relief.
- Behind-the-scenes: How GIS powers emergency response and urban planning decisions
- Student spotlight: Young mapmakers using GIS to solve local community challenges
- Free GIS learning resources and virtual mapathon opportunities for professionals and volunteers
- Interactive story maps: See how organizations use geography to drive social impact
Let’s take a trip down memory lane to the birth of GIS Day, a day that turns the spotlight on maps and the tech behind them.
It all kicked off in 1999, thanks to the brainy folks at Esri and a little nudge from Ralph Nader. He thought, “Why not have a day for everyone to explore the wonders of geography and GIS?” And just like that, GIS Day was born.
This special day falls on the third Wednesday of November every year, part of the larger Geography Awareness Week.
It’s a time when map lovers, students, and professionals from all over come together. They share stories of how GIS helps us understand the world in new ways. From its first celebration to now, GIS Day has turned into a global event. People from every corner of the planet join in to showcase their mapping projects and innovations.
The goal? To make the magic of GIS known to more people. Whether it’s helping in crises, like tracking diseases or exploring new frontiers on Mars, GIS has a story to tell.
And GIS Day is the perfect time to hear those tales. It’s not just for the tech-savvy. Schools, universities, and communities get in on the fun too. They host workshops, games, and talks to spread the GIS gospel.
So, from its humble beginnings inspired by a desire to educate and engage to its current status as a global festival of geographical wizardry, GIS Day has come a long way. It’s a day to be curious, to explore, and to celebrate the incredible impact of GIS on our lives and the world around us.
Map Your Day
Start your morning by sketching a map of your day. Include places you’ll visit, paths you’ll take, and any treasure spots you hope to discover. It’s a creative way to visualize your daily journey!
Host a Virtual Map Party
Invite friends to a virtual gathering where everyone shares a map that means something special to them. It could be a map of their favorite vacation spot, their hometown, or a fantasy world.
Geocache Adventure
Turn the day into a real-life treasure hunt by trying geocaching. Use your smartphone or a GPS device to find hidden treasures around your city. It’s a fun way to explore new places.
GIS-themed Game Night
Organize a game night with a GIS twist. Play board games that involve map strategy, such as “Risk” or “Ticket to Ride.” It’s a playful way to appreciate the power of geography.
Learn and Share
Take a short online course about GIS technology and share interesting facts you learn with friends or on social media. Spread the word about how GIS is used in everyday life, from navigating traffic to predicting weather patterns.
Create a Story Map
Use a free online tool to create a story map of your community, highlighting local landmarks, history, or personal stories. It’s a digital way to connect with your surroundings and share it with others.
Volunteer for a Mapathon
Participate in a mapathon, where volunteers help map less-known areas of the world. This can be particularly helpful for humanitarian organizations planning disaster response or development projects. These activities are designed to be engaging and informative, celebrating the world of GIS in a way that’s accessible to all. Whether you’re mapping out your adventure or joining a global effort, GIS Day is about discovering the world through a geographic lens.