GIS Day, celebrated annually to highlight the significance of Geographic Information Systems in today’s world, saw an enthusiastic turnout of over 50 GIS professionals and students this year on Friday 6th December at Agriculture Showgrounds. “GIS is Action – sharing real-world examples and case studies of GIS application” was the theme of this year’s GIS Day.
Organized by UNZA/ZAGIT in partnership with Sustainable Landscape through Integrated Management (SLIM) – project implemented by Czech Aid and co-funded by European Union, the day was filled with exhibition, networking and geocaching competition to practically demonstrate the “GIS in Action” as per this year’s theme.
The day was graced by distinguished guests, including a representative from the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment Mr Phiri and the Ambassador of the Czech Republic, his Excellency Pavel Prochazka, who emphasized the critical role of GIS in environmental sustainability and landscape management.
SLIM Project Manager, Ms Smrckova, shared the project vision of the use of modern technology and spatial data for accurate mapping purposes as well as capacity building among local stakeholders. The project’s specific objectives are to strengthen governance mechanisms, policies, and coordination for integrated landscape management, and to enhance technical and technological capacities for integrated landscape management to increase the resilience of landscape in Zambia. Ms Smrckova shared that she is looking forward to the Baseline Maps which the project has been working on. These thematic maps are focusing among others, on Wildfire and Drought and Floods -all critical to Zambia’s environment at the moment. These maps will then provide a baseline for better informed decisions.
Four innovative companies, Advanced Mapping and Positioning Limited (AMP Consulting), STP Groundworks Limited, Geomast and TESCO showcased their products, demonstrating the diverse applications of GIS in various sectors, from agriculture to urban development, highlighting its importance in data visualization and decision-making processes.
The interactive Expo was followed by the Panel Discussion where participants shared their use of GIS in practice as well as its importance for various disciplines with an emphasis on climate change.
The event fostered networking and knowledge-sharing among attendees, inspiring the next generation of GIS experts to leverage technology for a better, more connected world. In addition, GOS Day provided an excellent platform for SLIM to share knowledge and project objectives in innovative ways, particularly through the introduction of a geocaching activity, the first of its kind among the GIS group.
SLIM’s vision for the GIS 2025 is to attract more members of the public to take part in the Expo and practical activities, especially through Map Challenge and Mapathon. It is important to increase an interest in GIS in young people as we hope the future of GIS in Zambia only at the beginning.