URI Environmental Data Center
to celebrate national GIS Day

KINGSTON, R.I.-- October 29, 1999 -- The University of Rhode Island's Environmental Data Center (EDC), a leading pioneer of geographic information systems (GIS) technology within Rhode Island, announces a mini-symposium on GIS Day, November 19 from 9 a.m. to noon.

Sponsored by the National Geographic Society, the American Association of Geographers, and Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc., GIS Day represents the culmination of National Geography Awareness Week. Since 1987, the National Geographic Society has sponsored Geography Awareness Week to promote geographic literacy in schools, communities, and organizations, with a focus on the education of children.

Using the most advanced compressed video distance learning technology, talks will be presented simultaneously at the Chafee Building on URI's Kingston campus and at the URI Providence Campus about exciting new GIS tools and utilities for Rhode Islanders. Attendees of the symposium will learn many things, including:

· How any Rhode Islander with web access can download an aerial photo of their neighborhood.

· Where to obtain statewide data and all the necessary viewing software.

· Where to go to download R.I. natural resource maps by town or watershed.

Seating for this event is limited at both the Kingston and Providence locations, and is available by reservation on a first come basis. Interested persons can reserve their space by calling Christopher Damon at 401-874-2930.

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For More Information: Jan Sawyer, 401-874-2116