HomeMy WebLinkAboutGIS Day Press Release 10.16.24 Contact: Jacey Mismash, Communications Intern
Phone 952-826-0347 • CommIntern@EdinaMN.gov • EdinaMN.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Edina Invites Residents to Celebrate GIS Day
Edina, Minn., Oct. 18, 2024 – The City of Edina invites residents to celebrate GIS Day by participating in a fun project to create a community map!
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a subset of technology used to manage, create and analyze visual spatial data, typically seen in the form of a map. Everything from the locations
of recently planted trees to the schedule of recycling pickups can be mapped with the help of GIS.
“GIS is such a powerful storytelling tool,” said Anna Dhennin, Edina’s GIS Coordinator. “By adding the spatial component to our data analysis, you can discover interesting stories about
the world around you.”
GIS has been a crucial component of nearly every department in the City of Edina for over 20 years, with staff utilizing the technology to execute field work, coordinate inspections,
plan future developments and increase public safety. Residents can utilize GIS as well with mapping tools such as Park Finder, Natural Areas Finder or the various other maps found on
the City’s website, EdinaMN.gov/Maps.
In 2024, the GIS Division implemented several new features for the staff and residents of Edina. The Police Observed Demographic Data dashboard was introduced to the public this year,
providing demographic data from police interactions. Through heat maps, pie charts and graphs, the dashboard aims to increase transparency between the Edina Police Department and residents.
The GIS Division has also been hard at work to obtain unit numbers from multifamily buildings. This updated and more specific information can shorten emergency response times, encourage
community engagement and improve public safety. By creating and updating various tools using GIS data, the GIS Division aims to create a more thorough understanding of all aspects of
the community.
“GIS is an intersection of technology and art. The data analysis can be really technical, but the cartography can be a beautiful storytelling medium,” explains Dhennin.
So how can you celebrate GIS day? From Oct. 18 to Nov. 8, snap a pic of your favorite fall foliage spot in Edina and submit it to Bit.ly/EdinaFallMap, where the images will be compiled
to create a community map of the best views to check out this autumn season! Find the final map, GIS resources and send questions to GIS staff members at BetterTogetherEdina.org/gis2024.
GIS Day will be celebrated nationally on Nov. 20. For more information, contact Dhennin at adhennin@EdinaMN.gov or 952-826-0386.
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