World GIS Day 2020: ‘One Map Sri Lanka’ Competition Edition 4

Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Day provides an international forum for users of GIS technology to demonstrate real-world applications that are making a difference in our society. World GIS Day is all about Discovering the World Through GIS.

The first formal GIS Day took place in 1999. ESRI (acronym for Environmental Systems Research Institute – US) President and Co-Founder Jack Dangermond credits Ralph Nader with being the person who inspired the creation of GIS Day. He considered GIS Day a good initiative for people to learn about geography and the uses of GIS. He wanted GIS Day to be a grassroot effort, and open to everyone to participate.

World GIS Day is celebrated around the world every year on the third Wednesday of the month of November as a part of National Geographic’s and Geographical awareness week. This year it falls on 18 November – for which more information and material can be found at www.gisday.com.

GIS Solutions Ltd., (GISS) as the sole authorised distributor for ESRI (web link: www.gislk.com), in collaboration with the Survey Department of Sri Lanka, takes World GIS on to promote the use and value of maps and mapping technology for the general public of Sri Lanka, especially amongst schoolchildren.

In spite of the pandemic, to create awareness about World GIS Day 2020, GIS Solutions is conducting a competition that involves mapping interesting and historically important places onto a digital map. This is the fourth year consecutively this will be conducted as an island-wide competition titled ‘One Map Sri Lanka’ and targeting three groups this year; Professional GIS Users and GIS Technologists, University Students and School students.

The applicants are required to upload, digitally a picture of a place or location that they consider to have some historical, cultural, environmental significance or importance from their own surroundings, along with; an interesting 50-word description, corresponding exact longitude and latitude coordinates (Geo coordinates), with their personal details. Participation will be through on-line submission in this year. For schoolchildren, this program will be conducted through the schools themselves.

Last year over 700+ entries were received of a very high standard from students from all across the country, with majority entries coming from outstation. The top 100 entries will be awarded with certificates and gifts. For the competition amongst adults and the professional users of ArcGIS Technology, GIS Solutions received very positive responses, as well, from which the best 3 entries will be awarded with cash prizes and certificates.

“This is the fourth year GIS Solutions is running this style of competition to commemorate ‘World GIS Day’, and we are highly encouraged by the responses received over the last few years,” said Just In Time Group’s GIS Solutions CEO Ashani Dabare-Jaysinghe.

All entries received will be added on to a Special Sri Lanka Digital GIS Map called, ‘One Map Sri Lanka’. This year the event will conducted online via zoom platform to create awareness about GIS technology with our audience. Participation for this event is possible by sending an email with your name, address, mobile number, age and place of work or school to [email protected] to receive the free link to join in.