Geospatial solutions explored by students at UVU

More than 1,000 elementary, secondary and university students will descend on Utah Valley University on Nov. 13 to participate in activities and educational events for the seventh annual Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Day.

Students will be separated into tracks so the classes, lectures, and activities they engage in are best suited to their age. Topics will include GPS, aerial photography, geography, remote sensing and geospatial solutions. A GIS fair will also be set up with booths from businesses and organizations.

“The purpose of GIS Day is to raise awareness of GIS data and information systems and help people become geospatially informed,” said Suzanne Walther, an assistant professor in UVU’s Earth Science department, in a press release. “We’re especially interested in introducing students to the technology. There’s a huge demand for people who are educated and proficient in GIS, and we want to inspire students to find out more so they can explore careers and the industry can have professionals who are better prepared.”

UVU’s Earth Science department is sponsoring the event along with the Utah Valley GIS Users Group, the Utah Geographic Alliance, iUtah and the Utah Geographic Information Council so that schools can bring their students with the bulk of the cost covered.

GIS Days are held internationally in November to explore geographic technology and real-world applications.

 

Events will take place throughout the day in the Ragan Theatre and the Grand Ballroom in the Sorenson Student Center, as well as the Science Building atrium.