Dane County Celebrates GIS Day Thursday; Maps and Exhibits Available

November 19, 2003
Sharyn Wisniewski (608) 267-8823 Diann Danielsen, Land Information Office, (608) 266-4942
County Executive

Dane County and area communities will hold a map gallery and exhibit for GIS Day this Thursday, November 20, from 11 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The event celebrates local progress in automating land records and developing modern geographic and land information systems and services. At 10 a.m., County Executive Kathleen Falk, Treasurer Dave Gawenda and Land Information Office Manager Diann Danielsen will unveil new online tax information and mapping services available to the public via the AccessDane website as part of its GIS Day 2003 celebration. (Room 111, City County Building) GIS Day is a global event held during Geography Awareness Week that celebrates geographic information system (GIS) technology. GIS Day at the City-County Building provides an opportunity for those curious about GIS to see its applications in local government. GIS is a computer-based mapping tool that takes information from a database about a location, such as streets, buildings, water features, and terrain, and turns it into visual layers. The ability to see geographic features on a map gives users a better understanding of a particular location, enabling planners, analysts, and others to make informed decisions about their communities. GIS is used throughout the world to solve problems related to the environment, health care, land use, business efficiency, education, and public safety. Most recently we have seen how GIS technology can be used to aid homeland security initiatives, map the debris field following the Space Shuttle Columbia tragedy, and fight forest fires. People in nearly every profession all over the world are reaping the benefits of this technology. ###