πŸ“ Jeddah – 28 Jumada al-Awwal 1447 AH, corresponding to November 19, 2025

King Abdulaziz University, represented by the Department of Geomatics at the College of Architecture and Planning, today celebrated GIS Day 2025, part of an international initiative launched in 1999 to raise awareness of geospatial technologies and their impact on planning and decision-making. The event was attended by Dr. Mohammed Ahmed Al-Amoudi, Vice President of the University for Business and Knowledge Creativity.

The celebration aims to highlight the vital role geographic information systems play in urban planning, resource management, environmental protection and sustainable development, while reinforcing the Department of Geomatics' standing as a leader in education and academic research in the field.

The program included a number of scientific lectures and specialized workshops, most notably:

  • Indoor mapping for higher education using ArcGIS Indoors
  • AI tools in geospatial intelligence
  • A panel discussion on "The Geospatial Shift Toward Smart Cities" and the role of AI in decision-making, featuring a select group of academics and specialists

The events also included hands-on experiences and interactive activities, including workshops on using ArcGIS Living Atlas, photogrammetry techniques for creating 3D models via PIX4D software, drone experiences, and virtual reality (VR) applications, alongside an exhibition of student projects, field tours for practical application, and a dedicated corner for children to introduce them to the world of maps and geographic technologies in a simplified way.

The event drew more than 2,500 participants including students, specialists and academics, with more than 50 projects on display, 10 workshops delivered, participation from 35 schools, and support from a student team of more than 100 members, backed by sponsors from the government, technology and software sectors.

Organizers said GIS Day represents a platform for raising awareness of the importance of spatial data and its role in building smart cities and improving quality of life, as well as expanding research and applied cooperation with local and international entities, noting that the future of geographic technologies is moving toward greater precision, driven by innovation and artificial intelligence.

This year also saw wide participation from the general education sector, with 21 schools visiting the event, averaging 40 students per school, aimed at introducing students to the geomatics field and opening new horizons for them in spatial technologies.