# What This Bill Actually Does

This is a symbolic resolution that officially recognizes November 20, 2024, as "National GIS Day." GIS stands for Geographic Information System, which is basically technology that collects, organizes, and displays location-based information on maps and digital platforms. Think of it as the technology behind Google Maps, weather forecasts, GPS navigation, and the tools that help city planners figure out where to build roads or emergency responders locate people who need help.

The bill doesn't create any new laws or change how anything operates. Instead, it's Congress saying "we think this technology is important and we want to celebrate it." The resolution encourages government agencies, schools, libraries, companies, and universities to showcase their GIS projects and applications on that specific day. It essentially gives official recognition to something the geospatial technology community already celebrates annually.

Why does Congress care about this? The resolution explains that GIS technology is used across government and private business for decision-making, helps solve real-world problems from local to global scale, and is considered a growing industry with good job opportunities. It's also used in schools to teach science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) subjects. By officially recognizing National GIS Day, Congress is highlighting the importance of this technology field and encouraging more people—especially students—to learn about and pursue careers in geospatial technology.

For most people, this bill won't directly affect your daily life. It's more about raising awareness and giving official recognition to a technology field that already impacts many aspects of modern life, from urban planning to disaster response to environmental monitoring.

Expressing support for the designation of November 20, 2024, as "National GIS Day".

Curtis, John R.

<p>This resolution supports the designation of National GIS Day and encourages the continued use of geographic information system (GIS) technology to learn, address societal challenges, and drive economic growth.</p>