2011-11-10: GIS is mapping the way at Joburg Zoo
THE City's Geographic Information System (GIS) plays an indispensable role in supporting decision makers in implementing and monitoring citywide plans.
A GIS is a Geographic Information System. GIS contains map-related information such as property boundaries, street addresses, roads, rivers and much more, on a computer. GIS allows us to view, understand, question, interpret, and visualize data in the form of maps, reports, and charts.
GIS has a day dedicated to it annually, and as part of the activities planned for this year's International GIS Day, on November 17, 2011, Ward Councillors and city officials will be introduced to GIS in a programme at the Joburg Zoo.
The purpose is to ensure that all roleplayers are aware of what GIS can offer to ward councilors, and how it can assist councilors to make use of map-related information in their daily duties, to monitor the status of a ward.
International GIS Day is an annual global celebration where thousands of people around the world showcase the contribution GIS technology is making in their world. Joburg's Municipal-owned entities (MOE's) make wide us of GIS and will be exhibiting how they make use of it.
The departments and MOE's who will be participating in the exhibition are: Disaster Management (EMS); Johannesburg Property Company (JPC); JMPD & City Safety; City Parks; City Power; Environmental Management and Pikitup.
The event will consist of presentations on how GIS is used within the City, a focus on the online maps website and "show and tell" interactive activities.
"Whilst the Growth and Development Strategy (GDS) is the overarching plan for the long term development of our city, it also serves as a strategy against which the citizens can hold us to account," said Marcelle Hattingh, Director of Corporate Geo-Informatics for Johannesburg.
"It is thus imperative that the implementation of the GDS be monitored and communicated to all roleplayers to ensure effective, accountable and transparent governance," she added.
Joburg's 2040 vision is: "Johannesburg – a world class African city of the future – a vibrant, equitable African city, strengthened through its diversity; a city that provides quality of life; a city that provides sustainability for all its citizens; a resilient and adaptive society."
For more information contact:
Gaynor Mashamaite
Tel: 011 407 7090
Cel: 083 215 9745
Email: gaynorm@joburg.org.za
Media Invite:
Event: International GIS Day
Date: Thursday, 17 November 2011 from 08:30 to 13:00
Venue: Johannesburg Zoo
Theme: enerGISe day - "enerGISe your body, empower your mind"
RSVP: Before 15 November 2011, gaynorm@joburg.org.za, (011) 407-7090 and 083-215-9745
