Western New York’s 2018 celebration of GIS Day — an annual, worldwide event — will kick off on Nov. 14 at UB.

Geographic information systems (GIS) have made an enormous impact on society, enabling technologies that range from satellite-based navigation to epidemiological modeling.

On Nov. 14, faculty, staff and students are invited to join other local GIS enthusiasts from 1 to 5 p.m. in 120 Clemens Hall on UB’s North Campus for GIS Day activities hosted by the WNY GIS Users Group and UB Geography Graduate Student Association.

Registration is required. Admission is free for students at all colleges and universities with valid student identification, and $5 for all others, including faculty and staff.

Events will include student presentations on GIS, a game of geo-jeopardy, and a presentation by global GIS company Esri on the firm’s latest news and technologies.

The fun continues with an after party from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Blue Bull Tavern, 1300 Sweet Home Road, Amherst.

The event “links UB to the local GIS professional community, including many UB alumni, and helps students to network with professionals and prepare for their career paths,” says Ling Bian, professor of geography and director of the National Center for Geographic Information and Analysis at UB.