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Politics & Government

Do You Know What Day it is in Forsyth County?

Officials proclaim November 16, 2011 as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Day in Forsyth County.

Forsyth County joins 45 U.S. states and 60 countries around the world for events recognizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Day.

GIS Day serves to make people aware of GIS technology and the important contributions it is making in the fields of science, information and the humanities.

That's one of the many reasons why the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners have proclaimed today, November 16, 2011 as GIS Day in Forsyth County.

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Reading from the Proclamation during their Nov. 3 meeting, Commissioner Chairman Brian Tam said, "An understanding of geographical concepts is crucial to maintain a balance between the wise use of natural resources, continued economic prosperity, and the general health and well being of our citizens."

He further read, β€œGIS technologies have a vital role in the future growth and security of our county including the use, management and exchange of geographic data."

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Thousands of events are taking place around the country and world including, corporate open houses, hands-on workshops, community expos, school assemblies, and more.

According to the GIS Web site, the public is invited to two events being held in the county today and Thursday.

is hosting a conference from 9 a.m. until noon at 543 Atlanta Highway in Cumming. The event is intended as an educational and networking opportunity for GIS professionals. Participating agencies and companies will have booths set up with information about what is happening in the GIS community in the Atlanta and North Georgia area.

Then on Thursday, Nov. 17, an open house will be held at the Forsyth County Administration Building, in the commissioners meeting room at 110 E. Main Street in Cumming. The Forsyth County GIS Department will present the many ways GIS is used throughout the county to K-12 students from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

For more information on these events contact Mary Jo Black at 770-781-2108, extension 2750.

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