The GIS DAY is a worldwide event that celebrates the importance of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Since 1999, more than a thousand international organisations have participated in the GIS Day, sharing it and recognising the importance of GIS in day-to-day life, and presenting the works developed in that area.
This year, the GIS DAY is celebrated in the Azores on the island of Terceira. The Regional Secretariat for Science and Technology and Infrastructures and the respective Office on that island, in conjunction with GEOBASE - the GIS Office of Lajes Field and the Management and Nature Conservation Office of the University of the Azores, promote this meeting to present works, share experiences and exchange ideas.
One should bear in mind that the use of Geographic Information Systems is rapidly growing throughout the world. GIS helps to solve complex problems and facilitates decision-making process in areas such as Civil Protection, Spatial Planning, Environment, Marketing, Health, Education and even crime fighting.
The GIS plays an active role in our daily live, especially when we search for the best restaurant in the neighbourhood, when we call the medical emergency services or simply when a letter is delivered to our house. 
The programme to celebrate the GIS Day, which will take place at the auditorium of the University of the Azores in Pico da Urze which takes place on November 17 from 9 AM to 1 PM, includes the nine presentations on the role of GIS in everyday life, featuring several areas as well as different approaches. 
The Regional Secretary for Science, Technology and Infrastructures will preside over the closing session at 12:30 PM, following the final considerations of researcher Vasco Silva, from the Management and Nature Conservation Office of the University of the Azores, and Msrgt Rogoberto Chacon from GEOBASE-Lajes Field.