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WASHINGTON January 18, 2024 - Representative John Curtis (R-UT) and Representative Pete Aguilar (D-CA) introduced H.Res.868, expressing support for establishing November 15 as National Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Day. The bipartisan resolution also recognized the significance of the Global Positioning System and the benefits it has accrued for people around the world:

 

“Whereas GIS professionals store and manage their data in new ways given that high accuracy global positioning (GPS) technology has evolved greatly over decades, with 2023 also marking the 50th anniversary of GPS providing America and the world innumerable and incalculable benefits.”

 

GPSIA Executive Director Lisa Dyer issued the following statement: 

 

“GPSIA applauds Representative Curtis and Representative Aguilar for introducing this bipartisan resolution, which acknowledges the important contributions of GPS from its inception in 1973 while recognizing the importance of celebrating the power of GIS systems. As standalone systems, GPS and GIS deliver valuable information to anyone who uses them. Together they enable everyone, from first responders to everyday users of navigation systems, to go where they need to be when they need to be there. The insights they uncover are extraordinarily powerful and continue to change our world.”  

 

Robert Akins, PS, President of GPSIA Affiliate National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS), was quoted in a news release issued by Rep. Curtis to express NSPS support for the resolution:

 

“The National Society of Professional Surveyors commends Representatives Curtis and Aguilar for their 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 nation’s vast infrastructure, disaster planning and recovery efforts, floodplain management, natural resources and other important public policies for the protection and safety of the public.”

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