GIS Day
GIS Day, on the third Wednesday in November (18 November 2026), celebrates geographic information systems and how mapping data solves problems.
- UK (not marked)
- USA
- Ireland (not marked)
- Canada (not marked)
- Australia (not marked)
- New Zealand (not marked)
- UAE and Gulf (not marked)
- International (not marked)
About the day
GIS Day falls on the third Wednesday in November and celebrates geographic information systems, which link data to maps to reveal patterns and trends. GIS is used in supply chains, forestry, urban planning and health; National Day Calendar gives the example of mapping opioid prescriptions to direct resources. Roger Tomlinson developed the first computerised GIS in Canada in 1963. The first GIS Day was held in 1999, inspired by Ralph Nader, and sponsors include the National Geographic Society, the US Geological Survey, the Library of Congress and Esri.
Educators, cartographers and GIS professionals run demonstrations, workshops and meet-ups. Posts use #GISDay.
The day suits mapping and GIS software firms, universities, schools, planning departments, surveyors and technology media.
Dates for the next three years
| Year | Date | Where | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Wednesday 18 November 2026 | USA | Set by a fixed rule |
| 2027 | Wednesday 17 November 2027 | USA | Set by a fixed rule |
| 2028 | Wednesday 15 November 2028 | USA | Set by a fixed rule |
Sectors this day suits
Types of business that could link their activity to this day.
- GIS software
- Universities
- Schools
- Planning departments
- Surveying
- Technology media
Questions and answers
When is GIS Day 2026?
GIS Day 2026 is on Wednesday 18 November 2026. The date follows the same rule every year.
Who organises GIS Day?
GIS Day has no single organiser. Many organisations mark it independently.
When did GIS Day start?
GIS Day was first held in 1999.
Where is GIS Day marked?
GIS Day is marked in the USA.
Where do these details come from?
We checked these details against one source, including National Day Calendar: GIS Day. They were last checked on 7 November 2026.
Where this information comes from
Spotted a mistake? If you run this day, claim it to correct it.