GIS day will be celebrating on November 13, 2019, where persons are encouraged to, share their passions and inspire the world with GIS. Moreover, 2019 marks 20 years, a significant milestone in celebration of GIS day and the vital role it plays in connecting the world.

What is GIS?
A “Geographic Information System (GIS)” is an integrated system of computer hardware, software, skilled and unskilled users (people), methods and spatial (Geographic) and non-spatial (Attribute) data. Further, GIS allows for people to view data as maps, rather than columns of numbers; making it easier to read and understand.

How is GIS data collected?
o Digitizing (the process of tracing GIS data directly on the screen)
o LiDAR (images)
o Drones
o Global Positioning S (EPA mostly use this format)
o Satellites (remote sensing)
How is Data Stored in GIS?
Geographic data stored in two models; Raster or Vector.

Why is GIS important?
o Informs decision-making
o Provides accurate data location
o Increase efficiencies
o Can reduce cost of services
o Coherent management of resources
o Improves communication
o Vital for accurate record keeping
What Can GIS Do?
o Input data
o Manipulate data
o Manage data
o Provide guidance for query & analysis of data
o Visualisation of information/data

Types of datasets captured through GIS technology
o Land cover
o Climate
o Ecosystems
o Energy
o Infrastructure
o Marine resources
o Biodiversity
o Research
o Health
o Demographics
o Manufacturing/Industries
o Education

Data we Map at the EPA
o Complaints hotspot mapping
o Environmental inspections
o Biodiversity research conducted
o Water sampling locations
o Disease outbreaks
o Oil wells and Drill sites
o Identifying potential and suitable Landfill sites
o Mapping coastal change and trends
Other benefits of GIS
GIS can boost Inter-agency collaboration via;
o Reducing overlaps and redundancies
o Providing updated datasets
o More data = more information
o Cost efficient because of data sharing mechanisms

Important points to note about GIS:
o It is Data driven (must be a priority);
o Accurate information is necessary for accurate outputs; and
o Inspection data submitted after each visit (must be a priority);
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.