GIS is a technology that is used to create, manage, analyze, and map all types of data. GIS Days showcases how GIS is transforming disciplines from climate change research and campus planning to health studies, Indigenous data sovereignty and sustainability initiatives.

Whether you’re new to GIS or an expert, GIS Days offer you the chance to learn more about geography and mapping technology, engage with real-world spatial data and learn directly from experts.

Virtual GIS Days

On Nov 17, 18 and 20, GIS Days will feature virtual presentations from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. CST. Feel free to pop in and out of the Zoom space whenever works for you.

Explore the world of digital maps and GIS through:

• 7-minute lightning talks
• 20-minute demonstrations
• 1-hour tutorials
• Asynchronously exploring our map gallery
• Dropping in to one of our networking events
• Participating in a hybrid geography-themed trivia event November 19 at 6:00 p.m. CST. Join with a team or join as an individual and be assigned to a team. There will be lots of prizes!

Register to participate in GIS Days online.

In-person GIS Days: Manitoba GIS User Group Fall Conference

As part of GIS Days, attend the Manitoba GIS User Group’s Annual Fall Conference on Wednesday, November 19, hosted at UM and supported by UM Libraries.

This year’s conference is a full day of in-person programming that will:

• highlight the wide-ranging and exceptional work of our GIS community
• connect individuals and organizations that share an interest in GIS technology,
• and continue to develop the field of GIS within Manitoba through networking opportunities and student engagement.

UM Libraries is supporting this year’s conference to facilitate community, connection and experiential learning for students.

Tickets are $75 for professionals and $10 for students. If you are interested in attending for free with your class, contact manitobagis@gmail.com.

Register for the conference.

1. UM Student GIS scholarship recognizes the work being done using GIS technologies at UM.
2. Esri Young Scholar for Canada recognizes the exemplary work in geospatial sciences of undergraduate and graduate students at universities around the world.

 UM Student GIS scholarship

• Eligibility: Graduate or undergraduate capstone/thesis students in any faculty at UM.
• Application requirements: Personal statement, summary and sample of work being completed using Esri technology (e.g., PDF of a map or poster, online StoryMap or other digital products). 
• Deadline: April 18, 2025, 12 p.m. CST for package submission to umlgis@umanitoba.ca
• Process: After the deadline, a multidisciplinary committee at the university will review submission packages. If you are a successful candidate, you will need to submit a poster and a short report to ESRI Canada in order to receive the award. You are encouraged to submit the report as an ArcGIS StoryMap. 
• Scholarship award: $1500 cash bursary, software, books, access to e-learning courses through the Esri Training site, Esri Canada instructor-led training, complimentary registration at one of Esri Canada’s User Conferences and more.

Visit the scholarship FAQ for more details.

 Esri Young Scholar for Canada

• Eligibility: Any student enrolled full-time in an undergraduate or graduate program at a Canadian college or university. 
• Application requirements: 
  • A poster that highlights the objectives, methods and results of your use of Esri technology. 
  • A story map that explains the work presented in the poster. 
  • A personal statement describing your experience with GIS and your future plans using GIS. 
  • Academic transcripts for all post-secondary education.

• Deadline: March 19, 2025, 8 p.m. EDT to https://arcg.is/vnbHW 
• Process: After the deadline, applications are reviewed by a panel comprising academic and business members, and judging criteria include content as well as design and presentation. 
• Scholarship awards: 1^st Place: Complimentary registration for the Education Summit @ Esri UC and Esri User Conference; airfare to and from San Diego; hotel and per diem for their stay in San Diego; an acrylic award; and an ArcGIS for Personal Use license. Up to two (2) additional bursaries of $500 and Esri Press eBooks may be awarded to meritorious students at the discretion of the judges.

Visit the competition FAQ for more details.

Construction for UM Libraries new Digital Scholarship Commons began Monday, September 16, and will continue until Spring 2025. The facility is being built on the main floor of the Elizabeth Dafoe Library, close to the main entrance. The library will remain open throughout construction and the Starbucks will be accessible through another entryway.

The Digital Scholarship Commons is an exciting new collaborative space for research and interactive learning, with a focus on geographic information systems (GIS) and data visualization. The space will include state-of-the art technology, such as a large data visualization wall, video conferencing, and programmable sound and lighting. The Digital Scholarship Commons will serve as a dynamic learning environment to support the development of data visualization skills among students, faculty, and staff, and will encourage researchers to explore and communicate their findings in innovative ways.

While there may be some construction noise on the main floor of the Elizabeth Dafoe Library, the Libraries is making every effort to keep excessive noise to a minimum. Quieter study zones are available on the second and third floors of Dafoe, and in other campus libraries.

XR Lab construction begins early October

XR Lab construction is set to begin this Fall, occupying a current first-floor computer lab space. Students can access computers in the Gold Lab around the corner as well as from the library’s Laptop Lending Locker.

The XR Lab is designed to bring learning to life using virtual reality (VR) and other immersive technologies. The Lab will include four VR workstations, along with access to a collection of virtual reality apps and programs for teaching, learning and research.

The XR Lab and its VR capabilities can enhance learning and research by allowing users to dive into an interactive environment, engage with different perspectives in ways textbooks cannot, and enhance collaboration and engagement with others by sharing virtual explorations in real time.

Learn more about how UM Libraries supports learning, teaching, and research.