Image of the Interactive Oil and Gas Map of Wyoming from the Wyoming State Geological Survey.
Wednesday, November 14 is National Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Day, recognized since 1999. GIS is a system designed to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, manage, and present spatial or geographic data.
This year’s theme is Discover the World through GIS, with a focus on demonstrating the real-world GIS applications that are making a difference in our society. As one example, the Wyoming State Geological Survey offers several interactive maps of Wyoming. View them all on their website:
- Groundwater Atlas — enables quick research and comparison of groundwater wells, groundwater quality, aquifers, and recharge.
- Interactive Oil and Gas Map — emphasizes oil and gas fields, hydrocarbon reservoirs, and associated infrastructure.
- Geochronology Map — enables quick research and comparision of published and other publicly available age data across the state.
- Mines and Minerals Map — investigates mining and mineral data as an aid to understanding these resources.
GISday.com has several story maps available that allow users to experience the changes our world has undergone through the use of mapping. One in particular, 100 Years of the National Park Service, takes you on a chronological journey of the significant events in the establishment and growth of America’s unparalleled system of public parks.