Representatives Aguilar and Curtis Introduce Resolution Designating November 20 as National GIS Day

Today, as Geographic Information System (GIS) users around the world showcase their work, Congressmen Pete Aguilar (D-CA) and John Curtis (R-UT) introduced a resolution officially designating November 20, 2024, 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.

"The Geographic Information System (GIS) is a critical mapping technology that has changed how we're able to get from Point A to Point B in our daily lives and fosters economic growth by improving the tools that many businesses use to operate," said Rep. Pete Aguilar. "I am proud to reintroduce this resolution alongside Rep. Curtis in honor of National GIS Day. I applaud the work of those in the GIS field who are driving our country toward a smarter and more innovative future."

"We take for granted the ability of our mobile devices to help us navigate from point to point," said Rep. John Curtis. "Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are central to how we move ourselves and our goods around the world. I applaud the advancements and work of the GIS community for making everyday activities possible. I am proud to once again introduce this resolution with Representative Aguilar and recognize today as National GIS Day."

"As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of GIS Day, I want to thank Congressmen Aguilar and Curtis for their leadership in introducing the House Resolution marking the occasion. Geographic Information Systems continue to have a transformative effect on all segments of the economy and play a key role in government decision making. These tools help our national security agencies as they work to keep Americans safe, enable companies and nonprofit organizations to undertake advanced locational planning, and support the response to natural disasters affecting our communities. I appreciate Congress's ongoing support of geospatial investments throughout the federal government and the important information included in this year's GIS Day resolution." Jack Dangermond, President, Esri.

"The GPS Innovation Alliance commends Representatives Curtis and Aguilar for recognizing the power of geographic information systems, combined with position, navigation, and timing signals from Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites, to deliver lifesaving and timesaving benefits for their constituents, people across the United States, and around the globe. GIS and GPS are also economic powerhouses, unleashing efficiencies in transportation, infrastructure, agriculture, the environment, and more. Visits to our national and state parks are enhanced thanks to creative GIS + GPS technologies designed for the fitness and adventure communities. Thank you for honoring American innovations with this resolution." Lisa Dyer, Executive Director, GPS Innovation Alliance

"Every day, new and exciting applications of geospatial data, services, and technology are brought to the market for the benefit of individual citizens, government at all levels, and private enterprise. Many of these are portrayed, visualized, and accessed in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). These utilizations of "where" add value to almost any other types of data and make a significant contribution to our economy and quality of life. The investment the Federal government makes in these location-based data provides a significant return on investment and is leveraged for billions of dollars in business activity and creates or supports tens of thousands of jobs. This resolution helps bring attention to GIS and its role in economic growth and development, protection of the environment, and many of other important activities and we commend Congressmen Aguilar and Curtis for introducing the GIS Day resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives. " - John Palatiello, President and Founder, U.S. Geospatial Executives Organization (U.S. GEO)

"The National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS) 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 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." - Davey Edwards, PhD, PLS, LSLS, CFedS, NSPS President.

"On behalf of MAPPS, the largest national association representing firms in the geospatial and GIS industry, I wish to express my appreciation to Representatives Curtis and Aguilar for sponsoring the GIS Day resolution. For over six decades, GIS has grown from a concept to an indispensable technology. National GIS Day reminds us of the powerful contributions of GIS professionals, whose work helps to chart a better future. This day offers us an opportunity to spotlight their impact, showcasing how GIS not only fuels economic growth but also strengthens the foundations of resilient and informed societies. MAPPS is proud to stand alongside our members and all GIS practitioners as we celebrate the remarkable journey and vital role of GIS in shaping a more connected, informed, and sustainable world." - Kelly Francis, President of the Management Association for Private Photogrammetric Surveyors (MAPPS)

Rep. Aguilar serves as Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and as a member of the House Committee on Appropriations.