Published: Oct. 20, 2020

Join the University Libraries and celebrate GIS Day with a virtual mini-conference on November 13! Discover the world through GIS world graphic

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a scientific framework for gathering, analyzing and visualizing geographic data. Geospatial technology is crucial to making decisions about our infrastructure, natural resources and economic growth. It has also become an important collaborative tool for researchers to share data and work on projects that can reveal larger trends pertaining to all subject matter. 

“GIS Day is a celebration of GIS,” Earth, Environment and Geospatial Librarian Phil White explains. “It’s a time when people across campus can come together and discuss how they are using GIS, the projects they’re working on and listen to some interesting talks.” 

GIS Day at CU Boulder is usually presented as an in-person colloquium, in collaboration with the Geography department. But this year’s events will be hosted virtually over Zoom. The online format gives the university the opportunity to join forces with colleagues at Auraria Library and CU Denver.

White; Sarah Kelly, instructor of geography; Diane Fritz, Auraria Library; Alicia Cowart, CU Denver Geospatial Analysis and Mapping Laboratory; and Jenn Ambrose, CU Denver FAST Lab are all co-coordinating the event.

The keynote address begins at 10 a.m. and will be presented by Amy Newbury of Maxar Technologies. Her talk is titled, “Using Satellite Imagery to Unlock Infinite Possibilities For a Better World."

Immediately following the keynote is a Tech Showcase led by Alberto Nieto of ESRI. 

After a short break, professionals from the Nature Conservancy, Mapbox and the United States Geological Survey (USGS) as well as faculty and students from CU Boulder and CU Colorado Springs will present lightning talks.

Before wrapping up, participants will have the opportunity to hear career advice from GIS professionals working in government, private companies and non-profit organizations. 

Registration is now open! View the full schedule.