GIS DAY DECLARED IN PENNSYLVANIA

 HARRISBURG, NOV. 15 – State Sen. Connie Williams this week gained support for a resolution (SR 215) that declared Nov. 15^th as Pennsylvania GIS Day.

 "GIS is a progressive technology that has transformed the way we live and work," Williams said. "GIS is used for everything from the navigation system on our vehicles to helping soldiers better know their surroundings and providing digital mapping to aid emergency response and industries that build the nation's infrastructure. It is amazing how this technology has (and continues to) change our lives."

 GIS, which stands for geographic information system, is used in geospatial technologies. These types of technologies are used in medicine, economic development, homeland security, agriculture, historical preservation and for travel and in advertising.

 The United States Department of Labor has identified geospatial technology, biotechnology and nanotechnology as the three technologies with the greatest potential for growth and job creation. Employment in the geospatial technology industry is growing by 10 percent to 13 percent annually and the demand for geospatial technology services is creating new jobs in a wide range of fields.

 "Pennsylvania is a leader in research and training in geospatial technology and is home to many of the nation's leading geospatial technology firms," Williams said in explanation of why she introduced the resolution declaring GIS Day in Pennsylvania.

 "This is amazing technology that has already positively impacted Pennsylvanians through improvements to our quality of life and our safety, as well as through economic development. With ongoing advances, the industry's future is very bright."