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Geographic Information Systems Day is observed every third Wednesday in November, celebrating the powerful technology that helps us visualize and analyze map-based data. This day promotes the understanding and application of GIS to address complex global challenges like climate change and urban planning. Engage with interactive maps, attend local events, or share how GIS impacts your world.
Want to sponsor Geographic Information Systems Day? Learn how
Expected Geographic Information Systems Day Deals
As a cause-driven observance, Geographic Information Systems Day focuses on education and awareness rather than commercial deals. Organizations like Esri, the initiator of GIS Day, often host free webinars, workshops, and open-house events to showcase GIS applications and tools. Universities and research institutions may offer free introductory courses or public lectures. Look for opportunities to download open-source GIS software or access free datasets for personal projects. Advocacy groups might run campaigns highlighting how GIS aids environmental conservation or disaster response efforts. We will update this page with confirmed live events and educational resources as November approaches.
Platform Guide for Geographic Information Systems Day
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #GISDay. Share compelling maps, data visualizations, or insights into how GIS is solving real-world problems.
Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #GISDay. Highlight career opportunities in geospatial technology or discuss innovative GIS projects.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #GISDay. Post about local GIS events, educational resources, or community projects that utilize geographic data.
Geographic Information Systems Day Hero
Ralph Nader
History of Geographic Information Systems Day
On November 19, 1999, the National Geographic Society, the Association of American Geographers (A.A.G.), and Esri initiated the Geographic Information Systems Day observation. The National Geographic Society, in particular, was responsible for establishing Geography Awareness Week in November 1987. It was during this week of geo-literacy that G.I.S. Day started. Geographic Information Systems is simply the technology that comprehends the concept of ‘where.’ This simply means that G.I.S. is focused on collecting, displaying, and analyzing location data to assist in making informed decisions. In addition, G.I.S. is used to determine the optimum location for a wind farm, predict flood zones, and plan the most efficient bus route.
G.I.S. has progressed from an idea to science over five decades. As computers and early conceptions of quantitative and computational geography arose in the 1960s, the area of geographic information systems (G.I.S.) was born. Academic research formed the basis of early G.I.S. work. G.I.S. has evolved into a platform vital to practically every human endeavor. It can be seen as the planet’s nervous system, as it has moved to the web and cloud computing and is integrated with real-time information via the Internet of Things.
The Harvard Laboratory for Computer Graphics developed some of the first computer map-making software. A bright group of geographers, planners, computer scientists, and others from various professions invented many of the early concepts for G.I.S. and its applications in the Lab. Numerous interesting activities can be done on G.I.S. Day this year whether it’s in the classroom teaching real-world G.I.S. applications or out in the field recording G.P.S. points.
Geographic Information Systems Day timeline
Roger Tomlinson’s work implementing the Canadian G.I.S. is the world’s first computerized G.I.S.
Howard Fisher develops SYMAP at Northwestern University.
Howard Fisher establishes the Harvard Laboratory for Computer Graphics.
Jack Dangermond and his wife Laura start Esri at Harvard.
Esri starts ARC/INFO, the first commercial G.I.S. technology.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Geographic Information Systems Day
Local businesses can leverage GIS Day to highlight their use of geographic data or support geospatial education. A real estate agency could host a free seminar on using GIS for property analysis, while a delivery service might showcase how mapping technology optimizes their routes. Environmental consulting firms could offer pro-bono GIS analysis for a local community project. Consider partnering with a local university’s geography department to sponsor a student mapping competition or an educational outreach event.
Geographic Information Systems Day FAQs
When is Geographic Information Systems Day?
Geographic Information Systems Day 2026 falls on Wednesday, November 18. It is always observed on the third Wednesday of November, aligning with Geography Awareness Week.
What is GIS used for?
GIS is used for a vast array of applications, from urban planning and environmental monitoring to disaster response and market analysis. It helps visualize patterns, relationships, and trends in geographic data.
How many people work in GIS?
The geospatial industry is a growing sector, with hundreds of thousands of professionals globally working directly with GIS technology. Millions more utilize GIS data and tools in their daily roles across various industries.
What is the difference between GIS and GPS?
GPS (Global Positioning System) is a satellite-based navigation system that provides location coordinates. GIS (Geographic Information Systems) is a software system that collects, stores, analyzes, and visualizes geographic data, often incorporating GPS data as an input.
How to Observe Geographic Information Systems Day
Go satellite watching
You can join in the celebration by satellite watching. Satellites circle our planet quietly for a variety of remote sensing applications and functions. You can use your phone as a satellite augmented reality app if you don’t have a telescope.
Thank a geography instructor
There’s no better way to celebrate G.I.S. Day than by appreciating professionals in the sector for their work. Thank the instructors for the message today.
Join the Esri community
Get a better understanding and appreciation of G.I.S. by joining the Esri online network. You will be able to exchange ideas, collaborate, and find solutions to G.I.S. challenges.
5 Interesting Facts About Geographic Information Systems
First aerial photographs
Hot air balloons, kites, and even pigeons were used to obtain the first aerial photographs.
The first airplane shot aerial pictures
Wilbur Wright took the first aerial pictures from an airplane.
Largest G.I.S. day
The 2013 G.I.S. Day was one of the largest, with over 1,000 hosts and 105,000 attendees.
G.I.S. studies beyond Earth
G.I.S. is used to study other planets; its systems were critical to the exploration of Mars.
G.I.S. manages situations
G.I.S. is useful not just for forecasting occurrences but also for managing them.
Why Geographic Information Systems Day is Important
G.I.S. has multiple beneficial uses
G.I.S. technology is utilized in a variety of commercial applications. G.I.S. technology is to track natural disasters, determine how climate change will affect our globe, and locate communities in need of assistance following disasters.
It spreads awareness
G.I.S. Day brings together users of geographic information systems to showcase real-life applications that are making a difference in our society. It spreads awareness of how G.I.S. benefits mankind.
It is a global movement
G.I.S. Day is a global movement that brings together universities, government organizations, schools, non-profits, and G.I.S. professionals. The holiday observation aims to promote G.I.S. awareness and understanding of the world.
Geographic Information Systems Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | November 19 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | November 18 | Wednesday |
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