As the year draws to an end, the City’s free Geographic Information Systems (GIS) online mapping training is taking a break at the end of November 2023, with plans to resume in February 2024.Roxanne-Pyal Parthab, a GIS Specialist in the Directorate of Corporate Geo-Informatics (CGIS), says users and trainers are preparing for the end of the year and most people start to take leave or plan vacations during December and January. To accommodate these changes, no bookings and training sessions are scheduled unless urgent requests are made.
The online mapping system promises a comprehensive view of the City’s layout and property data.
This includes a plethora of information such as proposed townships, property ownership, street addresses, market values and zoning data.
As we celebrate Worldwide GIS Day on Wednesday, 15 November 2023, she says GIS Day is important because it provides an initiative for people to learn how GIS is used.
“It also provides a forum for individuals and corporations to showcase the many ways in which GIS can be used in real-world applications. GIS Day draws attention to the vital role that geospatial systems play in the various sectors of government, land management, and other aspects of development in a City. Reflecting on this day allows us to see how far the GIS industry has come, and where its transformational growth can go,” Parthab explains.
Looking ahead to 2024, the GIS training is expected to make a dynamic return with new features.
Parthab says user comments and requests received throughout the year are considered for implementation in future training sessions.
Anticipated additions include new or updated layers on the website and the latest aerial photography, promising an engaging learning experience.
Despite the success of the training programme, with over 500 requests in the last three months, there is a plea for increased attendance.
Parthab urges participants to honour their scheduled bookings, emphasising the wealth of knowledge shared by GIS experts who dedicate their time to the sessions.
GIS free online mapping training will return with a bang in 2024.
Written by Brümilda Swartbooi
15/11/2023