Exploring the Intersection of Geography, Technology, and Creativity at FSU Libraries
As the academic year progresses, Florida State University Libraries (FSULIB) is gearing up to celebrate a special event that brings together the realms of geography, technology, and creativity. Mark your calendars for November 20th, 2024 – it’s GIS Day, and FSU Libraries is at the forefront of the festivities!
GIS Day is an annual event that has been celebrated since 1999, recognizing the significance of geographic information systems (GIS) and the incredible impact they have on our understanding of the world around us. This year, FSU Libraries is proud to host a series of engaging activities and displays that will showcase the diverse applications of GIS across various disciplines.
Dirac Science Library: Unveiling the Power of GIS in STEM, Social Sciences, and Humanities
At the Dirac Science Library, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the multifaceted uses of GIS technology. This versatile tool has become an indispensable asset for researchers and practitioners in fields ranging from criminology and social sciences to public health and environmental sciences.
Through the book displays and collections at Dirac, you’ll discover how GIS enables the analysis and visualization of spatial data, leading to groundbreaking insights. Criminologists use GIS to map crime patterns, social scientists leverage it to understand demographic trends, and public health experts utilize it to track the spread of diseases. Environmental scientists rely on GIS to monitor ecosystems and analyze the impacts of climate change, while experts in satellite imagery harness its power to interpret remote sensing data.
In the humanities, GIS enriches historical research, archaeology, and cultural studies by mapping ancient trade routes, visualizing literary landscapes, and analyzing spatial patterns in art and architecture. In the realm of education, GIS serves as both a subject of study and a powerful teaching aid, allowing students to explore complex geographical relationships and uncover spatial insights.
Strozier Library: Celebrating the Art and History of Maps
As you venture into the lower level of Strozier Library, you’ll be greeted by a captivating display that delves into the art and history of maps. Maps, globes, atlases, and other manifestations of geospatial information have been prized not only for their scientific utility, but also for their inherent beauty, intricacy, and use of rare materials as art objects.
This book display will take you on a journey through the visual culture and heritage traditions of mapmaking, spanning across various time periods, cultures, locations, and media. Discover the rich history and evolution of cartography, and how these masterpieces have influenced our understanding and perception of the world.
Exploring Adventure and Exploration through the Pop Lit Collection
Step outside the Starbucks Café on the first floor of Strozier Library, and you’ll find a selection of fiction and non-fiction books that highlight the world of adventure and exploration. Each book in this curated display features a map that plays a pivotal role in the story, inviting you to take a break from your studies and explore GIS through a more imaginative lens.
Delve into the fantastical realms where maps have the power to shape our experiences, both in the physical and the imaginary worlds. Discover how cartography and spatial awareness can impact our lives in unexpected and captivating ways.
Celebrating GIS Day with Art in the Library
To mark the occasion of GIS Day 2024, FSU Libraries is thrilled to invite you to a special event hosted by the Art in the Library program. On Wednesday, November 20th, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in a hands-on coloring activity with maps and enjoy some tasty snacks.
The festivities will take place at two locations:
- Dirac Science Library lobby, 10 am – 12 pm
- Strozier Library near the Starbucks Café, 1 pm – 3 pm
Come and join us as we celebrate the intersection of geography, technology, and creativity. Unleash your artistic side and explore the captivating world of maps and GIS through this interactive and engaging event.
Discover More with E-books on GIS
Can’t wait to dive deeper into the world of GIS? FSU Libraries has an array of e-books available for you to explore. From understanding the role of GIS in sustainable development to exploring the latest advancements in geospatial artificial intelligence, these resources will expand your knowledge and inspire your curiosity.
Some of the featured e-books include:
- “Surveying the Skies: How Astronomers Map the Universe”
- “Creating a Smarter Campus: GIS for Education”
- “Understanding GIS through Sustainable Development Goals: Case Studies with QGIS”
- “New Directions in Radical Cartography: Why the Map is Never the Territory”
- “Handbook of Geospatial Artificial Intelligence”
Visit the FSU Libraries website to browse the full collection of e-books and discover the wealth of information available at your fingertips.
Join Us in Celebrating GIS Day 2024 at FSU Libraries
As the academic year progresses, the team at FSU Libraries eagerly anticipates the arrival of GIS Day 2024. We invite you, the students and parents of Stanley Park High School, to join us in this celebration of geography, technology, and creativity.
Whether you’re intrigued by the diverse applications of GIS, captivated by the art and history of maps, or eager to explore the role of cartography in adventure and exploration, FSU Libraries has something in store for you. Mark your calendars, gather your friends, and get ready to embark on a journey of discovery at GIS Day 2024!
We look forward to welcoming you to our libraries and sharing the wonder of GIS with the Stanley Park High School community.
