Today, as Geographic Information System (GIS) users around the world showcase their work, Congressmen John Curtis (R-UT) and Pete Aguilar (D-CA) introduced a resolution officially designating November 17, 2021, as National GIS Day. The resolution encourages GIS users to continue to innovate and use GIS as a tool to analyze and address today’s societal challenges and drive economic growth. Senator Jim Risch (R-ID) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

“Without knowing it, the vast majority of Americans utilize Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology every day,” said Curtis. “We should all applaud the advancements and work of the GIS community for making everyday activities possible, from using our phones to life saving emergency response. I am proud to introduce this resolution with Senator Risch and Representative Aguilar recognizing today as National GIS Day and celebrating GIS developers, users, and innovators and their important work.”

“As the GIS industry continues to grow, more Americans and small businesses are reaping the benefits. This technology is becoming an essential part of nearly every sector, allowing companies like ESRI to create thousands of good-paying jobs in communities like mine. I’m proud to work with my colleagues to introduce this bipartisan resolution to recognize the lasting positive effects of this crucial tool and those who make it possible,” said Aguilar.

“GIS has quickly become an indispensable tool for geospatial data and mapping. GIS technology is driving advancement in virtually every industry and federal agency because it reveals not only our surroundings, but how that geography directly shapes our lives and communities. As Chair of the Senate GIS Working Group, I’m proud to establish National GIS Day to celebrate the significant innovations and opportunities this cutting-edge technology will continue to inspire.” – Senator Jim Risch

Statements of Support 

"MAPPS, the largest national association representing firms in the geospatial data and geographic information systems (GIS) industry, commends Representative Curtis for his continued leadership on federal geospatial and GIS related policy in Congress. Given the continued growth of this technology and the also the expanding reliance and use of these tools and assets - whether it is infrastructure planning and development, natural resource conservation, climate science, disaster mitigation or other myriad uses - National GIS Day is a great way to highlight GIS technology and its contributions to our society. We thank Representative Curtis for the introduction of this important resolution." – Robert Hanson, President, MAPPS

“The National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS) commends Representative Curtis for his leadership and initiative introducing the GIS Day resolution. The land surveying profession and GIS community are working hand in hand in mapping and cataloging the Nations vast infrastructure, disaster planning and recovery efforts, floodplain management, natural resources, and other important public policies for the protection and safety of the public.” – Mark C. Sargent, LLS, NSPS President

“Thank you Congressman Curtis for introducing the GIS Day resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives. Geospatial data, services, technology, and applications, many of which are portrayed and visualized in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), are used by individual citizens every day on our mobile devices and in important business, government, educational institutions, and organizations and make a significant contribution to our economy and quality of life. This resolution helps bring attention to GIS and its role in infrastructure, climate and the environment, economic growth and development, and other important work performed by this community.” – John Palatiello, President and Founder, U.S. Geospatial Executives Organization (U.S. GEO)

“I applaud Congressman Curtis for introducing this resolution that highlights the importance of geographic information systems (GIS) to government agencies and broader society.  As a leader on geospatial data issues in the House of Representatives, Mr. Curtis has a clear understanding of the role these technologies and the geographic approach to problem solving play in responding to the COVID pandemic, addressing the climate crisis and fostering community resiliency, and aiding the response to global supply chain obstacles.  Congress demonstrated their understanding of the value of geographic technologies in passing the Geospatial Data Act in 2018, and this year’s House GIS Day resolution is yet another clear signal from our nation’s lawmakers of the importance of these tools in solving crucial challenges.”  – Jack Dangermond, President, ESRI

"The American Association of Geographers (AAG) is proud to support this year's GIS Day resolution introduced by Congressman Curtis, whose strong leadership on geospatial issues is commendable. From public health to climate justice, the work of geographers serves to inform science-based decision-making across many fields. This work is brought to life by GIS, a technology indispensable to tackling real-world problems. GIS has already cemented its place in the future of government, education, and industry and will continue to help illuminate our understanding of people, places, movement, and change." – Gary Langham, Executive Director of the American Association of Geographers (AAG)

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