East Hawaiʻi high school students spend day at UH Hilo learning about geospatial science
GIS Day is an annual celebration of geographic information systems and the many ways geospatial science helps shape human understanding of the world.
The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo hosted more than 150 high school students and educators from across East Hawaiʻi on Nov. 20 for GIS Day, an annual celebration of geographic information systems and the many ways geospatial science helps shape human understanding of the world.
The event was led by the Maui Economic Development Board and its STEMworks program in partnership with UH Hilo’s Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems (PISCES) and the Spatial Data Analysis and Visualization Research laboratory run by Professor of Geography and Environmental Science Ryan Perroy. PISCES Avionics Engineer and Program Manager Amber Imai-Hong and Administrative Specialist Ashley Truchan were instrumental in coordinating the event.
A total of 154 students and educators from Keaʻau High School, Hilo High School, Hawaiʻi Academy of Arts & Science, Waiākea High School, and Ke Kula ʻO Nāwahīokalaniʻōpuʻu participated in the hands-on event.
“Much mahalo for organizing the GIS event,” says a high school educator who attended. “Our kids had a great time, and so did we. You planted seeds that will grow. Our students will find their way.”
The day began with remarks from Simon Kattenhorn, dean of the UH Hilo College of Natural and Health Sciences, who shared his geospatial research on detecting water on other planets. His presentation highlighted how GIS and remote-sensing skills support science, engineering, and environmental problem-solving, not only on Earth but across the solar system.
Students rotated through seven workshops led by GIS professionals and educators specializing in volcanology, ArcGIS and spatial mapping, conservation, traditional wayfinding, and invasive species management. Technology was a key focus of each session with demonstrations of drones, LiDAR, ground-penetrating radar, and spatial mapping software. Students also met face-to-face with GIS professionals during a speed networking session to talk story and ask questions about their work.
