Geographic Information System (GIS) is a computer-based system which includes software, hardware, people, data and geographic information. The theme for this year’s celebration is “using GIS in disaster management”. This day is being celebrated on the third Wednesday of November every year since 1999.
It is a day to celebrate GIS by showcasing GIS uses and benefits and building the GIS communities. GIS day provides an international forum for users of geographic information system technology to demonstrate real–world application that are making a difference in our society.
GIS is an essential technology for all phases of emergency management, preparation, mitigation response and recovery. It provides a foundation for comprehensive emergency management
In order to create more awareness about GIS, the Environmental protection Agency (EPA) and other partners on Wednesday 15 November 2017 joined their colleagues around the globe to celebrate the GIS day in a symposium that brought together pupils from different secondary schools, GIS experts and other key stakeholders in order to discuss issues around GIS at the Youyi building.
In his opening statement, the Chairing of the celebration Andrew Keilli said the main objective of this celebration is to show how Sierra Leone GIS experts can use GIS technology to help in data collection and analysis in disaster management. He noted that it come in the wake of the recent landslide in Regent which had devastating consequences and the incessant natural disasters that have become much too common place and almost an accepted part of life is indeed timely.
“Natural hazards are phenomena that may threaten human interest. Sierra Leone faces many natural hazards. It behooves us therefore to identify assess and monitor disaster risks, enhance early warning and use knowledge, innovative and education to build a culture of safety and resilience at all levels.”
Giving the keynote addressing the Deputy Director Policy Planning and Research EPA, Michael Jusu, said GIS gears towards new ideas. He maintained that GIS can help to integrate and analyze critical information with regards to disaster. He said over 1.5 million people are currently living in Freetown and 42 disasters areas have been identified in Freetown alone.
In a presentation on the GIS professions, the Assistant Deputy Director, GIS, EPA Samuel M. Kamara said the key component of GIS are expert, data, software, hardware and information. He noted that international organizations, private industries, government, academic and research institutions can all use GIS.
According to the Kamara that GIS can be used in order to assess the environment, land using planning, tax mapping and water sanitation. “One cannot do with GIS, and the GIS is the system that they manage the world, and everything in planet earth exists in GIS.”
Highlighting the importance he underscored that GIS is the science of geographic information system connect people, regions and system, also geography is a common language that strengthens decision-making for governments communities, NGOs and businesses all over the world and also promoting GIS education provides grassroots opportunities for people to create positive change at the local and global scale amongst other.
MJB/15/11/1
By Mohamed J. Bah
Thursday November 16, 2017.