The city of Hinesville and Liberty County will celebrate GIS Day on Nov. 15, according to a press release. 

Geographic Information System, or GIS, uses the location and spatial component of data to help decision making and problem solving. 

In Hinesville and Liberty County, the GIS offices work closely with residents and various government departments, such as law enforcement, the Emergency Management Agency, Tax Assessors Office, Public Works, Liberty Consolidated Planning Commission and fire departments. 

Current services provided by the GIS offices include performing analysis on spatial distribution, developing mobile apps for field data collection, creating online and printed maps and maintaining GIS data.

The two GIS offices will co-host a one-day event on Friday, Nov. 15 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. in the Liberty County Commissioners board room to provide an opportunity for everyone to learn and explore the benefits of GIS, along with a map gallery showcasing work from both offices. Event attendees will be able to enjoy two presentations given by GIS staff to discuss current and potential uses of GIS technologies at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., with each lasting 30 minutes). Additionally, proclamations will be signed at 10 a.m. by both the City of Hinesville and Liberty County.

The mission of both offices is to continuously improve our GIS services to increase efficiency, effectiveness and quality of the services our government provides. In recent years, the Hinesville and Liberty County GIS offices have assisted the Emergency Management Agency during hurricane seasons on damage assessments. Those reports are crucial for FEMA to determine whether residents are qualified for individual assistance for hurricane damages. The GIS offices have also assisted in the Hinesville’s participation in the Community Rating System program, which helps lower flood insurance premium rates paid by residents.