Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Day

GEOGRAPHIC Information Systems (GIS) are designed to capture, store, manipulate, analyse, manage, and present all types of geographical data. The foundation of a GIS is data that is in some way, referenced to locations on the earth. To this, attributes such as name, types, address and contact information can be added. GIS allows us to visualise scenarios and understand relationships, trends and patterns in our environment by digitally linking information to maps. GIS is a tool that assists in making accurate and well informed decisions, especially in terms of environmental management.
As an initiative for people to learn about geography and the uses and importance of GIS, GIS Day was established in 1999. The Day is now celebrated on the third (3rd) Wednesday of November annually; this year it is scheduled for November 15th under the theme “Discovering the World through GIS”.

The Environmental Protection Agency and GIS
Human activities and their impacts on the environment are intricately inter-related with the earth’s ecosystems. As a result, monitoring and measuring these changes and complexities presents many challenges. GIS therefore, provides a means of visualising and analysing these occurrences in a structured and comprehensive manner.
As a regulatory agency in environmental management, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) relies on accurate and relevant data for planning, monitoring, research and release of data to the public. The use of GIS contributes greatly to the success of sound environmental management and is an integral part of the EPA’s decision-support system.
Some areas in which GIS is used are:
* Land use planning;
* Identifying potential areas of pollution or outbreaks;
* Identifying impacts of developmental activities on the environment; and
* Mapping deforestation and land degradation.
The use of GIS facilitates the streamlined workflow of the various programme areas of the EPA by providing a holistic approach to data management and information sharing. Field data collected during environmental inspections are used in tandem with baseline and other reference information to understand the existing infrastructure or to identify potential environmental issues which may arise. Since the natural environment is one which overlaps with multiple sectors and users, it is critical to collaborate with other Agencies and Organisations so as to address cross-cutting issues and identify areas of high-risk activities.
The EPA continuously seeks new opportunities to improve its technological capabilities in order to enhance the quality and credence of the activities it carries out. It is envisioned that as the use of GIS continues to grow it will become an increasingly relevant subject in today’s society. Further, with the establishment of clear policies and guidelines, properly trained personnel and accurately updated information, environmental health and well-being will be perpetually maintained.

You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O ECEA Programme, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail.com or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

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