HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 13, 2012 - Area high school students will learn about potential careers in the field computer-based mapping, known as "geospatial information systems," at GIS Day, a free event hosted by the commonwealth and Harrisburg Area Community College.

GIS Day will take place on Nov. 14 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 Tom Corbett has proclaimed Nov. 14 as "GIS Day" in Pennsylvania.

"Many young people are using GIS technology every day without even realizing it.  Many smart phone applications and social media tools combine data with maps to deliver unique services to consumers," George White, the state's chief information officer said.  "GIS Day is an opportunity for students to understand the technology behind the tools they use every day, as well as potential career opportunities in the GIS field."

Students will also participate in hands on activities utilizing GIS to examine the 2012 presidential election.

The afternoon will include sessions and workshops for GIS professionals, along with an exhibit hall where state agencies, nonprofits and businesses will demonstrate real-life applications of GIS and the tools used to create them.  There will also be an "Earth as Art" exhibit and a historical map exhibit.

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://pagisday.yolasite.com/. 

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

Geospatial Information Systems Day – November 14, 2012

WHEREAS, technology plays a vital role in the continued growth of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and our nation; and

WHEREAS, geographic information systems (GIS) technologies are a powerful tool for supporting emergency services, homeland security, economic development, environmental protection, crime mapping, healthcare, long-range planning, and much  more; 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, GIS provide data that allows for the identification of patterns and relationships of real-world conditions that ultimately lead to better decisions and improved delivery of services for the citizens of Pennsylvania; and

WHEREAS, the use, management, and exchange of geographic information systems (GIS) technology is necessary for effective decision making by local, state, and federal governmental agencies; 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; 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 improve data quality of commonwealth systems such as the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program that provides certification and enrollment, clinic scheduling, education and immunization tracking and other critical components necessary for efficient program administration; and

WHEREAS, geospatial services are leveraged to streamline workers' compensation claims management and adjudication processes; and

WHEREAS, Web-based mapping tools support low income communities across Pennsylvania by providing a means for families to locate nutritious summer meals for eligible children under the age of 18; and

WHEREAS, geospatial technologies help advance the arts in Pennsylvania by depicting the locations of state grants for the arts, partnerships with local arts councils and art education programs in communities and schools; and

WHEREAS, fish hatchery operations, waterway stockings, habitat management, and public recreation activities across the commonwealth are supported with geospatial technology tools; and

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 14, 2012 as GIS Day.

TOM CORBETT, Governor

Media contact: Dan Egan, 717-772-4237

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of Administration