GIS Services

GIS Day @ KPU 2019

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

KPU Library and KPU’s Department of Geography and the Environment organized a full day of events to mark the fourth annual GIS Day @ KPU on Nov 13, 2019. GIS Day is an annual worldwide celebration for users of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology. GIS Day @ KPU brought together KPU GIS users and learners – including faculty, students, and staff – who discussed the many benefits of GIS technology.

GIS Day began with an Introduction to Mapping with Excel workshop, led by KPU Geographer Parthiphan Krishna. Workshop participants gained hands-on experience using the unique mapping features available in Excel.

GIS Day also featured informative presentations. David Burns, Vice-Chair of University Senate, explained his use of mapping features in Excel to visualize data from the Surrey School District. Lisa Dreves, Stewardship Coordinator – Langley Environmental Partners Society, highlighted projects that used QGIS software, including historical wildlife mapping, and streamside habitat conservation. Jim O’Leary, Spatial Analyst – City of Vancouver, gave an overview of open source GIS, and provided insightful demonstrations of QGIS software in use on various projects –  including fire station and water fountain site selections in the Greater Vancouver area.

The GIS presentations were followed by a meet-and-greet networking session where KPU faculty, staff, and students with an interest in GIS had the opportunity to share ideas. KPU Library looks forward to hosting additional GIS Day events in the future.

GIS DAY @ KPU 2019 SCHEDULE: