On November 20, 2024, Nobel Systems marked a significant milestone by celebrating World GIS Day with events in both the Philippines and India. This global celebration aimed to raise awareness about Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and their transformative impact on various sectors. GeoNobel, the Philippine arm of Nobel Systems, and Nobel Software Systems, its Indian counterpart, spearheaded the celebrations in their respective countries.
The Importance of GIS Day
GIS Day is celebrated globally to recognize and promote the significance of GIS in our daily lives. It serves as an opportunity to educate the public about the diverse applications of GIS, from urban planning and environmental conservation to disaster management and public health. For Nobel Systems, celebrating GIS Day is crucial as it aligns with their mission to leverage GIS technology for innovative solutions that address real-world challenges. By engaging with communities and fostering a deeper understanding of GIS, Nobel Systems aims to inspire future generations to explore and utilize this powerful technology to create a better world
GeoNobel's Celebration in the Philippines
GeoNobel Inc. embraced the spirit of GIS Day by organizing a Poster-Making Contest in selected schools across the Philippines. The event, themed "Mapping Minds, Shaping the World," aimed to engage young minds and introduce them to the fascinating world of GIS.
The contest saw enthusiastic participation from 19 students of the Junior High School of Lourdes School of Mandaluyong (LSM). The event was held on-campus in Mandaluyong City, providing a vibrant setting for the young artists. Simultaneously, 20 students from Tanay West Integrated National High School (TWINHS) in Tanay, Rizal, participated in collaboration with Tanay Water District, showcasing their creativity and understanding of GIS.
GeoNobel staff conducted an informative and engaging presentation on GIS, covering the basics of GIS, its various applications, and its importance in everyday life and global development. This session provided an excellent opportunity to introduce GIS to the students and showcase its significant role in shaping the modern world.
Following the presentation, students were given two hours to create their posters. These artworks were then assessed by a panel of three judges based on criteria such as creativity, relevance, and originality. The winners from LSM were Eion Jiro Orillosa, Lance Ethan Largo, and Jose Alfonso Lopez, while the winners from TWINHS were Jhillary Candelaria, Kris Angela Baral, and Jeremie Timtiman. In addition to celebrating the top poster-makers, the event featured an exciting raffle with five lucky winners. Every participant was also rewarded with a consolation prize, ensuring that everyone’s creativity and hard work were recognized.
The event not only highlighted the creative talents of the students but also underscored the importance of GIS in various fields. By engaging with the youth, GeoNobel aimed to inspire the next generation of GIS professionals and enthusiasts.
Nobel Software Systems' Celebration in India
In India, Nobel Software Systems celebrated GIS Day at the Karnataka Public School, Nandhini Layout, Bangalore. This government corporation school primarily caters to students from lower-middle-class backgrounds, making the event a significant opportunity to introduce GIS to a diverse group of young learners.
The event aimed to spark curiosity and creativity among students, raising awareness about GIS and their applications in everyday life. The highlight of the event was a poster-making contest, where students showcased their imagination and talent through vibrant and innovative creations. Their artworks reflected their enthusiasm and learning, making the event a memorable experience for all participants.
Teachers at Karnataka Public School lauded the initiative, appreciating how it introduced the students to a new domain of knowledge in an engaging manner. The event successfully achieved its objective of promoting GIS among young minds, leaving both students and teachers inspired. The celebration also underscored the importance of GIS in various fields and its potential in shaping the future.
Interestingly, most of the teachers and students were hearing the term "GIS" for the first time. Despite using mobile apps that incorporate GIS technology daily, they were unaware of its role. This event served as a valuable learning opportunity for everyone involved, highlighting the pervasive yet often unnoticed presence of GIS in modern technology.
The Headmaster and staff of Karnataka Public School were very supportive, and their involvement contributed significantly to the success of the event. Their enthusiasm and cooperation ensured that the students had a meaningful and enriching experience.
Looking Back: GIS Day 2023
Last year, on November 15, 2023, Nobel Systems celebrated GIS Day by hosting poster-making contests in Camarines Sur, Philippines, and Bangalore, India. The theme for 2023 was "Create the World You Want to See," which inspired students to visualize and express their ideas on how GIS can contribute to a sustainable future. The events were held at Caranday National High School in Baao, Camarines Sur, and Government High School Kethamaranahalli Rajajinagar in Bangalore. Both events featured presentations by Nobel Systems staff, who explained the importance of GIS in various domains such as environmental management, disaster response, and urban planning. The students' creative posters were judged based on originality, relevance, clarity, and visual appeal, making the celebration a memorable and educational experience for all involved
Conclusion
The celebrations of GIS Day 2024 by GeoNobel in the Philippines and Nobel Software Systems in India were resounding successes. Both events highlighted the importance of Geographic Information Systems and their applications in various fields. By engaging with young minds through creative activities like poster-making contests, Nobel Systems effectively raised awareness about GIS and inspired the next generation of GIS professionals and enthusiasts.
These events also underscored the role of GIS in shaping the modern world, from daily applications in mobile apps to large-scale global development projects. The enthusiastic participation of students and the support of teachers and staff were crucial in making these celebrations memorable and impactful.
Michael Samuel, President and CEO of Nobel Systems, expressed his pride in the company's efforts, stating, "Celebrating GIS Day is not just about recognizing the technology, but about inspiring the next generation to see the world differently and to use GIS to solve real-world problems. Our commitment to education and community engagement is at the heart of what we do, and events like these are a testament to that mission."
As Nobel Systems continues to promote GIS education and awareness, the company remains committed to fostering curiosity, creativity, and innovation among young learners. The success of GIS Day 2024 serves as a testament to the power of education and community engagement in shaping a better future through technology.