June 11, 2007

ESRI Announces the Availability of New Materials for GIS Awareness Program Initiatives

Redlands, California—To provide recognition and support for the many geographic information system (GIS) awareness programs currently being conducted throughout the world, ESRI announces the availability of the new 2007 GIS Day Video Kiosk CD as well as a patch and pins honoring achievement.

The materials were created as part of the continuing effort to assist organizations in promoting the importance of GIS. Organizations can use the GIS Day Video Kiosk CD to promote GIS within their organization and the general public, and groups such as the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and 4-H Club can use the patch and pins as part of their GIS Day and other educational activities.

The 2007 GIS Day Video Kiosk CD is an updated version of the popular kiosk CD developed last year. The 12 included videos will help GIS professionals, educators, and students explain and understand how vital tasks, like tracking wildfires and providing aid after a natural disaster, are benefiting from GIS technology. The CD is available upon request by completing the form at www.gisday.com/kioskcd.

Paula White, the curriculum/technology resource teacher for Scott County Schools in Scott County, Kentucky, awarded GIS Innovator pins to teachers recognized for making a difference with GIS technology. "Our hard-working teachers need to be commended for efforts to learn and utilize GIS in their classrooms," says White. "This token of appreciation, though small, reflects their geospatial insight and global awareness that they share with students."

The patch and pins feature three GIS data layers overlaid on a stylized globe. The vibrant eight-color embroidered patch can be hand sewn or ironed onto a vest, backpack, or hat. Both the GIS Explorer and GIS Innovator pins are antique bronze in color and provide recognition of accomplishment in the use of GIS for both youth and adults. They are available online at the ESRI store under GIS Day Gear at www.esri.com/store.

Those attending the ESRI International User Conference this year, which will be held June 18–22 in San Diego, California, should come by the GIS Day booth for additional information or advice on promoting the event. The ninth annual GIS Day celebration will be held on Wednesday, November 14, 2007.

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About GIS Day
GIS Day is an international grassroots event designed to promote GIS literacy in schools, communities, and organizations. GIS Day enables GIS users and vendors to open their doors and sponsor events that spread knowledge about the capabilities and importance of GIS technology. It is staged as part of the National Geographic Society's Geography Awareness Week and Geography Action! program. GIS Day is principally sponsored by the National Geographic Society, the Association of American Geographers, the University Consortium for Geographic Information Science, the United States Geological Survey, the Library of Congress, Sun Microsystems, Hewlett-Packard, and ESRI. Visit www.gisday.com.

Press Information:
Jim Baumann, ESRI
Tel.: 909-793-2853, extension 1-1807
E-mail (press only): press@esri.com
General Information: info@esri.com