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College of Agriculture and Human Sciences to host GIS DayWednesday, November 04, 2009 Prairie View, TEXAS – If you’ve ever wondered about how hurricane storm surges are predicted or how those interactive maps used by broadcast networks on election night work, then an upcoming event may be right up your alley. The College of Agriculture and Human Sciences will host GIS Day 2009 on Wednesday, November 18th. The daylong event will be held in the Cooperative Extension Program auditorium beginning at 10 a.m. According to Noel Estwick, who serves as event chair, the program is designed to teach students and the surrounding community about the GIS technology and how it’s utilized in various facets. “Geographical Information Systems (GIS) is a computer system that utilizes hardware and software to capture, store, analyze and present geographical locations, features, and boundaries. The CAHS GIS Day event will target the PVAMU family and surrounding communities in order to introduce participants to GIS and create awareness of its numerous applications and benefits to society,” said Estwick. “We often hear the need to adopt sustainable practices in our daily lives to preserve our planet for future generations. GIS is one of the tools that can be used to identify sustainable solutions as we adapt to the changing world. It helps us find solutions to questions about the things around us,” he added. GIS Day 2009 will explore the GIS technology through presentations, a panel discussion, geocaching, poster presentation, wetlands tour as well as information on GIS career awareness. Seminars will feature experts and GIS users who are well versed in the benefits of the technology. The event is held in conjunction with the National Geographic Society’s Geography Awareness Week. GIS Day events are held on the Wednesday of the week to bring awareness to the GIS technology. “In today’s world, knowledge of the universe is essential to success. We are excited to bring the GIS technology to our students and surrounding community,” said Dr. Freddie L. Richards, dean of the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences. “The understanding of GIS technology and its application is an invaluable skill that will serve our stakeholders well in the future. Participants are asked to register for the event by logging onto http://pvcep.pvamu.edu or http://carc.pvamu.edu and completing the registration form before November 9. On-site registration on the day of the event will begin at 8:30 a.m. in the Cooperative Extension Building. For more information on GIS Day 2009, call (936) 261-5008 or (936) 261-5137. By Christi A. Landry |