This week marks Geography Awareness Week with Wednesday, Nov. 20 being “GIS Day.”

Minnesota IT Services (MNIT) joins our partners in the Minnesota Geographic Information Systems (GIS) community to celebrate. This community includes users, producers, and analysts of spatial data and technology from various organizations, including state and local governments, non-profits, and private industry.

GIS plays a critical role in the functions of state government, and MNIT enables state agencies with spatial technologies – often coordinating access to spatial data and processes that improve services statewide.

While “GIS” might not be a familiar term, it’s hard to imagine today navigating without the maps we use on our computers and smartphones. Every time a navigation app routes you around some upcoming traffic, or you search online for nearby pizza places, GIS processes are at work. Over the last two decades, access to geographic information has exploded, enhancing our quality of life and helping us communicate in more intuitive ways.

For example:

• The Department of Transportation uses GIS to plan upgrades and maintenance of our roadways.
• The Department of Employment and Economic Development partners with Connected Nation on an interactive broadband map that displays available broadband services across the state.
• The Department of Natural Resources maintains an interactive buffer map to help Minnesotans understand the buffer requirements for waterways.
• MNIT’s Geospatial Information Office collaborates with several organizations to operate the Minnesota Geospatial Commons, where GIS data users can find resources from dozens of publishers.

Interested in learning more about GIS? 

Attend one of several events happening throughout the state including GIS Day 2024: A Geospatial Approach to Equity & Inclusion from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 21 at the Stassen Building in Saint Paul or via Microsoft Teams for morning sessions.

This event will feature presentations, panel discussions, and networking opportunities with GIS professionals, state employees, equity leaders, and community advocates. In-person registration has closed but you can RSVP here for the virtual event.

Join us today as we celebrate Geography Awareness Week and the impacts of geography and spatial technologies!