The map applications of the coming population census are showcased at the National Library

“With this day, we want to promote geography and geographic information systems which we can nowadays find all around us – in phones, cars and computers. GIS Day is also an excellent meeting point for specialists in the field, students, teachers and schoolchildren,” said Ms Kreet Masik, the Project Manager of GIS Day.

The information day, which is dedicated to the Population and Housing Census beginning on 31 December, showcases the map applications created for the coming census (which will be used to map the dwellings in Estonia) as well other census maps through decades. “The census maps offer a great overview of the development of cartography. For example, only city maps and very general maps were available for the 1922 census. For the census conducted in 2000, the GIS database was implemented. Add the map applications created for the coming census and you get an interesting comparison,” said Masik.

In addition to the geographic information systems used for censuses, visitors can also learn about the map systems of the National Archives and the Land Board, about Tallinn’s virtual Old Town project, and many other interesting things. The complete programme is available at http://www.gispaev.ee. The event is free for everyone.

The geography and geographic information systems day is organized by the Estonian Geoinformatics Society, Statistics Estonia, the National Library of Estonia and Estonian Land Board. The event is supported by the Ministry of Education and Research.

In Estonia, the Population and Housing Census will be carried out from 31 December this year until 31 March next year. During the first month (31.12.2011 – 31.01.2012) the electronic Population Census or e-Census will take place, where the permanent residents of Estonia can fill out questionnaires on the Internet. Those who do not participate in the e-Census will be visited by enumerators in the period from 16 February until 31 March 2012.