NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 10, 2005
Contact: Mike Mahaffie, (302) 739-3090

Statewide Delaware GIS Conference to Focus on "Creating Information, Sharing Knowledge"

Registration is now open for the 2005 Delaware GIS Conference, planned for April 21 in Rehoboth Beach. The Conference theme is "Creating Information, Sharing Knowledge." Conference planners are encouraging government, business, and educational professionals who are not GIS professionals to join Delaware's GIS community for a day of discussions about the use and sharing of geospatial data.

Geospatial data is information about the world that has been organized by combining or linking databases with maps, creating a single, powerful information and knowledge tool. The acronym "GIS" refers to "Geographic Information Systems," the software used to create and work with spatial data.

"We need input from the people who will use the information and knowledge that our data creates," explained conference planning committee chair Mike Mahaffie of the Delaware Office of State Planning Coordination. "The Delaware GIS Community - the several hundred professionals who regularly create and publish geospatial data - is a strong, cohesive group and we do a great job of working together within our community. What we need to improve is how we share the knowledge and intelligence that spatial data offers with professionals from other fields."

The Conference will run all day on April 21, at the Atlantic Sands Hotel, on the Boardwalk at Baltimore Avenue, in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. It will include discussions and presentations at all levels of experience. The plenary session will center on GIS coordination at the state, regional and national levels, featuring the GIS coordinators of Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. They will be joined by a representative of the US Geological Survey and others leaders working to bring together a nationwide, seamless, digital base map. Breakout sessions and discussion sessions will focus on various ways to use GIS and spatial data in business, government and education. There will be exhibits by industry leaders. Awards will be given to honor educators and GIS professionals who have given back to their community.

Conference registration is available on-line, or by phone fax or mail. The registration fee is $80 for those who register by Friday, April 8 and $100 after that date. Reduced registration fees are available for students. There will be a continental breakfast, lunch, and door prizes.

Free pre-conference workshops on April 20 will offer training in the use of GIS software tools. Post-conference activities on April 22 will offer field experiences, including a geocaching event, and GPS training, in Cape Henlopen State Park. There will be a $10 fee for post-conference activities. Registration for the pre- and post-conference events is limited to Conference registrants and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Space is limited, so register now!