Today is Geographic Information Day:
GIS Day is a grassroots event that formalizes the practice of geographic information systems (GIS) users and vendors of opening their doors to schools, businesses, and the general public to showcase real-world applications of this important technology. The event is principally sponsored by the National Geographic Society, the Association of American Geographers, University Consortium for Geographic Information Science, the United States Geological Survey, The Library of Congress, Sun Microsystems, Hewlett-Packard, and ESRI.
Geographic information systems are computerized tools that simplify the analysis of maps by allowing the overlaying of maps and areal photos along with the application of symbols to designate things that might not be visible in the areal photo, fire hydrants, for example.
The city of Midland participated at the Advanced Technology Center with a demonstration of the computerized maps and software used by city staff. And it was especially interesting to see the 100 and 500 year flood map overlay the map of the city.
On September 22 I commented about an article in the Wall Street Journal about the redrawing of the nations flood maps. As it turns out, the flood maps for the city of Midland are being updated constantly. (It's probably hard to resist tinkering with it when all of that technology is available).
But, it was especially interesting to see the city map with the 100 year flood map overlaid. By golly, there was a river flowing through the city! Some of the restaurants near the new drainage ditch north of the Target store look like they would be in the water. And several pockets within the city would encounter flooding, but I'm sure it is very benign compared to what might happen in cities like Houston or San Antonio.
Silly me. We should be so lucky. Here I am worrying about the 100 year flood when we are still in a terrible drought. Bring on the rain!
In any event, the technology was fascinating.
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