Brock students, faculty and staff have a chance to put their geographic information systems (GIS) knowledge on the map during an online GIS Days conference next month.

The free virtual event — which runs from Monday, Nov. 17 to Tuesday, Nov. 18 — coincides with international GIS Day on Wednesday, Nov. 19.

Students and researchers from any discipline are invited to present live online seven-minute lightning talks at the conference highlighting how they’ve used GIS in their research, teaching or other projects. Those interested in participating can apply online until Friday, Oct. 24.

Maps, GIS and Geospatial Data Specialist Sharon Janzen, who is moderating a talk at the conference and co-ordinating Brock’s GIS Day activities, says the events are an opportunity for participants to engage with the diverse ways GIS can be used in research.

“From English to History and Health Sciences to Environmental Sciences, GIS is a tool that can be used by anyone and GIS Days is a great way to showcase your work,” she says.

Hosted by Western University Libraries, with support from Brock and other Canadian institutions, the GIS Days conference will also include tutorials, demonstrations and a map gallery.

Brock will mark GIS Day on Nov. 19 with cake in the Rankin Family Pavilion and a talk featuring resume tips as well as geospatial training and scholarship opportunities for students.