11/5/2012
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MILWAUKEE—Representatives from the U.S. Census Bureau will offer a workshop on using TIGER, the bureau’s geographic information system (GIS), on Wednesday, Nov. 14. The event is part of a day of activities celebrating GIS Day at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM), which runs from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Golda Meir Library conference center, fourth floor of the library.
GIS uses digital technology to visualize, analyze and interpret data. Visualizing a combination of data on a computerized map can reveal spatial relationships, patterns and trends. GIS Day will offer something of interest for all skill levels, from those who are curious about what GIS can do to those who use it on a daily basis.
The Census Bureau’s TIGER (Topologically Integrated Geographic Encoding and Referencing) systems are spatial extracts that contain features such as roads, railroads, rivers and statistical geographic areas. Available for free, they are typically used to provide the digital map base for GIS or for mapping software, and can be linked to the bureau’s demographic data. The workshop will discuss accessing census data using American Fact Finder and TIGER.
Activities include hands-on workshops, presentations by GIS professionals, and a map gallery displaying numerous GIS projects by UWM and agencies from the Milwaukee area. There will also be a series of “Spatial Ignite” talks: five-minute speed sessions from GIS users that are a great way to quickly learn about a variety of projects using GIS. A student GIS project competition is also part of the day.
UWM alumna Laxmi Ramasubramanian, a professor at Hunter College and president of the University Consortium for Geographic Information Science, will give the keynote, “The University’s Role in Fostering Spatial Citizenship.” A free pizza lunch is included with registration.
GIS Day is an annual international event that creates a space for users of GIS to demonstrate real-world applications and spread awareness of the ways GIS helps people see the world. GIS has applications in many areas, including geography, urban planning, public health and business.
Participants are welcome to attend for the whole day, or to stop in for one or two sessions. All sessions are free, but registration is appreciated. Register at: http://www4.uwm.edu/gis/gisday/. Census Bureau workshops are offered at 9:30, 10:15 and 11 a.m.
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