Nevada Geographic Information Society

Keynote Speaker, Jack Dangermond (founder and President of ESRI), started May 2009 conference with an engaging address that outlined the direction of GIS in the future.  His enthusiasm was contagious and all in attendance felt the energy in his presentation.  Additionally, Mr. Dangermond honored the NGIS by participating in the Plenary Panel and Society Discussion.  Some great ideas and issues came out of this exceptional panel.  Click here to read the summary.

GIS Day was Wednesday, November 18, 2009

This year the Nevada Geographic Information Society encouraged all our members to reach out and participate in this year's GIS Day.  On November 18, 2009 GIS practitioners and users around the world reached out to children and adults alike to provide an opportunity to learn more about the way Geographic Information Systems are changing our way of life.

Here in the State of Nevada we have been fortunate to have some very strong GIS pioneers and leaders that have established the foundation for where the Silver State is today with GIS. For more than 20 years, different parts of the state have been developing and making available datasets and tools for GIS analysis to both citizens and public and private organizations. Partnerships from Federal, State and Local agencies, as well as the private sector, have also continued to carry the GIS torch in the State over the years.

It is a great time to be working with such a powerful technology. It is the goal of NGIS to provide as much value as possible for those practitioners who tap into the toolset and make a difference in the State of Nevada. A major goal over the next few years will be to continue to reach out to practitioners across the state and beyond and provide additional opportunities to advance, and build on, the solid foundation already established.

Advancements in technology have once again increased the awareness of geospatial technologies in everyday lives. Widespread access to information networks from smart devices to desktop computers has brought the efforts of GIS practitioners into the lives of millions across the globe.

During the past few decades GIS as a profession has also grown tremendously. Today there are numerous opportunities in higher education offering both undergraduate and advanced degrees in GIS. Certification opportunities now exist to demonstrate proficiency and commitment to the field. There is no question that GIS continues to be a discipline and profession of choice on the rise.