Del Mar College’s Center for Economic development was buzzing and swooshing with the sounds of drones, and grade school students, flying through the hallways on Nov. 17.
DMC co-hosted the 17th annual Coastal Bend Area GIS Day, with Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Texas A&M-Kingsville, Coastal Bend Community College, Laredo Community College and Coastal Bend GIS Group.
Globally observed, GIS Day builds awareness about geographic information system (GIS) technology and the impact GIS applications have on a variety of fields the natural, physical and social sciences.
An educational representative from the Texas State Aquarium helps students from Moody High School with an interactive oceanic research computer program during GIS Day on Nov. 17.
Along with professionals, area students in grades six through 12 were able to glance into the educational and ca- reer opportunities available through GIS.
“I really support GIS. It teaches individuals to manage logistical data, which is a trait that can be used in any field. GIS is a valuable tool for any career,” said Bryan Gillis, the president of the GIS Student Organization at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi.
Students received hands-on experience with assistance from GIS professionals and ex- perts working in industry, education and government using the technology.
“GIS day is great, it’s a fun way to learn about GIS and how it can be used every day,” said Daniel Martinez, one half of the marketing committee duo for Texas A&M-Corpus Christi’s GIS Student Organization.
GIS Day is part of the Na- tional Geographic Society’s ini- tiative “Geography Action!” The yearlong initiative encompasses key educational achievements such as GIS Day and Geography Awareness Week.
“GIS is very in demand and GIS Day really helps to show that,” said Martinez, who at- tended DMC under the engi- neering program until 2013 when he transferred to Texas A&M-Corpus Christi.
Students attending DMC and interested in GIS can con- tact John Nelson at 361-698- 1478 or jnelson1@delmar.edu.