Lands & Survey promoteswork on international day

(CNS): The Cayman Islands Lands and Survey Department is hosting its first ever annual geographic information systems (GIS) day in order to promote geography its importance to society and possible careers for Cayman students. While Wednesday is the international day the celebration comes during Geography Awareness Week which was established to promote the work of global geographers who use technology to capture, store, analyze, manage and present all types of geographical data. Officials will be using the day as an educational tool to promote its importance locally.

GIS merges a number of software applications and maps such as Global Posting Systems (GPS), cartography, statistical analysis and database technology with real-world applications that make a difference to everyone’s lives.

“In the Cayman Islands, GIS is used by many Government Departments,” said Juliana O’Connor-Connolly the minister with responsibility for Lands and Survey. “These include 911 to locate residents, the police to track crime, the Department of Agriculture to keep track of pests, Mosquito Research and Control Unit for specific areas of spray, HMCI to respond to hazardous events, Department of Environment, Lands and Survey as well as many private businesses to keep track of their cars.”

She said real estate agents also use GIS to locate land parcels as well as to keep track of property sales and valuations.

“We are celebrating GIS Day as an educational event to introduce students to GIS and GIS-related careers. The Grand Cayman event will take place at the Clifton Hunter High School on 14 November and the Cayman Brac event will be at the Layman E. Scott, Sr. High School on 16 November,” the minister added.

For more information on GIS Day visit – www.gisday.com