GIS DAY, 17TH NOVEMBER 2021

Here at EVONA, we are celebrating GIS day and the power that it gives us to create an understanding of the world we live in. GIS day is more than just an event, it’s a global movement that showcases the importance of GIS and the many benefits it has to offer.

SO, WHAT IS GIS?

Geographic Information Systems (GIS), is a spatial system that creates, manages, analyses, and maps all types of important data, which is utilised in science, organisations of all sizes and almost every single industry. GIS helps users to interpret relationships, patterns, and geographic context which provides a multitude of benefits such as improved decision making, enhanced efficiency, cost reduction and improved communication (to name a few!).

“GIS is an integrated system of computer hardware, software, and trained personnel linking topographic, demographic, utility, facility, image and other resource data that is geographically referenced.” ~ NASA

THE MAIN USES AND BENEFITS OF GIS

• Identifying problems.
• Monitoring change and understanding trends, therefore allowing users to put preventative measures in place.
• Fast recall of data, with ability for complex analysis.
• Managing and responding to events efficiently, with improved productivity.
• Perform forecasting, whilst displaying information in a different light or view.
• Allows for better management of resources.
• Better ability to consider environmental and social impact.
• For businesses – improved client satisfaction, better decision making and increased teamwork amongst employees.

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JUST A FEW OF THE WELL-KNOWN COMPANIES WHICH USE GIS EVERY SINGLE DAY

‍UBER – is an app which we all know completely changed the world. It’s takeover of the taxi industry coined the term ‘the Uber effect’, which would not have been possible if it hadn’t been for GIS. It heavily relies on geospatial data, when the app matches its user with the closest available driver. However, in a not so obvious way, the app also can identify areas which have the highest demand for drivers and advises those drivers to be near those hotspots during times of elevated demand. It’s also cleverly used to monitor and analyse traffic flow in cities.

Starbucks – this household name relies largely on data to guide its strategies for growth, using GIS to determine the best places for new locations. It analyses lots of factors before deciding to branch out into an area, including:

• Population density.
• Average income.
• Traffic patterns.
• Proximity to public transportation.
• Other nearby businesses.

The World Health Organisation – GIS enables spatial representation of data to support improved public health planning and contributes towards better decision making. The global health and medical applications of GIS are numerous, but here are just a few of the main examples:

• Finding disease clusters and their possible causes.
• Improving deployment for emergency services.
• Determining if an area is being served adequately by health services.

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HOW GIS IS CHANGING THE WORLD

Disease Control – Combating the spread of pests, by identifying critical intervention areas efficiently.

Mars Rover Landing – Examining how to land the Mars Rover safely with operations criteria including latitude for solar power, soil softness, slopes using laser altimetry, dustiness, rockiness, and a landing footprint.

Development Planning – Making citizens happy through smart development planning and understanding the bigger picture.

Self-Driving Vehicles – Sitting back and relaxing while Google’s autonomous car does all the work equipped with LiDAR, GPS, an inertial unit, and sophisticated software.

Mapping – Google Maps is an excellent example of a web-based GIS mapping solution that people use for everyday navigation purposes.

Environmental Impact Analysis – Data gathered via GIS applications is vital for conserving natural resources and protecting the environment. Impact statements assess the magnitude of human impact on the environment.

 

REASONS TO PERSUE A GIS CAREER

 

Now that you’ve seen the benefits GIS has to offer, perhaps you’re interested in pursuing a career within GIS. It is a powerful, ever-evolving field with possibilities that increase as the world becomes more connected. The GIS market is projected to reach $25.6 billion by 2030, and competitive salaries aside, a career within GIS can give you the chance to truly make a difference. If that wasn’t enough, there really is something for everyone as some of the unique applications of GIS technology can be utilised in a wide range of industries:

• Gaming.
• Transportation.
• Public health.
• Agriculture.
• Advertising.
• Retail.
• Environmental services.
• And many more!

For decades we’ve looked upon the Red Planet as a viable alternative to host life, but we still know relatively little about what form that ‘life’ might take. This month, that changes as we edge that little bit closer to the first crewed mission to Mars.

Between July and August 2020, Earth and Mars align to create an ideal window for Mars mission launches that reduce costs and increase the chances of success. Understandably then, three scheduled launches to Mars will take place this month: NASA’s Perseverance rover is scheduled for launch on 30th July, China’s Tianwen-1 on 23rd – but before that, all eyes are on the new kids on the block, UAE’s Emirates Mars Mission.

Due to launch on the 14th July 2020, the Japanese weather had other ideas and has delayed launch until Monday 20th July at 1.43am UAE time (Sun 19/7 22:43 BST).

At 22:43 BST Sunday 19th July the UAE launch into space exploration with their first interplanetary mission as The Emirates Mars Mission (EMM) takes flight with the Hope Probe; its task – to provide the first ever complete picture of the Martian atmosphere. Catch the launch live here.

Using three scientific instruments on board of the spacecraft, the EMM will provide a better understanding of ​circulation and weather in the lower, middle and upper layers of the Martian atmosphere. The $200 million mission is due to orbit Mars for a full martian year, or 687 days, and will be sharing the data amongst 200 research institutions, including NASA, for free.

If you weren’t already aware of the UAE’s ambitious space plans, we believe you soon will be. Hot on the heels of their Astronaut Programme, which saw the launch of their first Emirati Astronaut to the ISS in September last year, this post-oil economic diversification is about to put UAE on the space map in a big way. We caught up with Talal M. Al Kaissi, Advisor on Strategic Projects at the UAE Space Agency to get his thoughts on this momentous occasion.

‍“It’s really surreal to be this close to the historic launch of our spacecraft.” he explains. “Our Emirates Mars Mission “Hope” probe is the culmination of 6 years of very hard work by a dedicated, professional team of young engineers who have helped us prove that nothing is impossible.”

The UAE’s collaborative mission effort and commitment to data sharing has earned them much admiration. Launching from Tanegashima​ Space Centre​ Japan and sourcing help from University of Colorado Boulder, this mission is testament to what can be achieved thanks to a growing commercialisation of the sector, a collaborative approach to space exploration and a dedication to developing expertise in space science and technologies.

As Talal M. Al Kaissi explains “This mission is already a success and has accomplished the goals the government had set in building human capital, acquiring knowledge, forging strong partnerships, and providing the foundation to a space economy and ecosystem in the country. ‍The science objectives will be a bonus, and the STEM education encouraged by this program as well as the inspiration value it induced will continue for years to come.”

The UAE planned to build the Hope probe six years ago, at the same time setting up the Middle East’s first space research centre and announcing the ‘Arab Space Pioneers’ programme. Overseen by the UAE Space Agency, the programme equips talent with the skills and expertise required to expand career prospects in the growing space sector to actively contribute to the global space community. The programme highlights the importance of investing in the multi-faceted space technology as a major driver of the future knowledge-based economy. This is one space mission that has taught us the economic value of investment into STEM space programmes in order to advance the capabilities of the sector and address the future workforce challenges.

Hope is scheduled to reach Mars in February 2021, which coincides with the 50th anniversary of the United Arab Emirates’ formation – that’s a pretty good birthday celebration if you ask us.

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Photo by Nicolas Lobos on Unsplash