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<p style="font-weight:bold; display: inline; line-height:150%; font-size: 105%;">CITY OF COLUMBIA, MISSOURI<br />P.O. BOX 6015 COLUMBIA, MO 65205</p></div>
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<h2 style="font-size: 200%;">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</h2>
<p style="font-size: 120%; margin-top: -5px; font-weight:bold;">November 14, 2016</p>
<p style="float:right; font-weight:bold; margin-bottom: 75px; font-size: 120%; text-align:right;">CONTACT: Matthew Gerike
<br />Geospatial Services Manager
<br />(573) 874-7304</p>
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<div style="font-size: 110%; line-height:200%;"><h3 style="clear:both; margin-top: 75px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-weight: bold; font-size: 170%;">Columbia Celebrates Geography Awareness Week Nov. 13-19, GIS Day Nov. 16</h3>
<div class="content"><span style="padding-left: 50px;">(COLUMBIA, MO)</span> - <p style="display:inline;">In a world that is increasingly interconnected and interdependent, the City of Columbia invites everyone to "Explore the Power of Parks" during Geography Awareness Week Nov. 13-19 and GIS (Geographic Information Systems) Day Wednesday, Nov. 16.</p>
<p>Geography Awareness Week promotes geo-literacy and education in our schools and communities to improve understanding of the world's geography as it relates to all aspects of our lives. Geography is used everywhere, from crime mapping and efficient delivery of services, to environmental protection and healthcare. Students, teachers, and citizens across Columbia and across the nation will learn more about the interconnection of human and natural systems that are increasingly important in today's world and in building our future.</p>
<p>The City encourages curious customers of all ages to check out the interactive resources available on the City's website including the Community Dashboard and the Maps & Apps Directory. The Community Dashboard allows anyone to explore interesting maps on the City website and see locations of special events, code enforcement cases, development and capital projects throughout the city, and see the growth and change of the Columbia community over time. The Maps & Apps Directory is a great collection of interactive web maps, current and historical pdf maps, and a great resource for useful information on streets, transportation, parks, population, zoning, utilities, the environment and more.</p>
<p>This is the fifth consecutive year Columbia has recognized Geography Awareness Week and GIS Day and the theme for 2016 is "Explore the Power of Parks." Tune into City of Columbia social media updates the rest of the week for information on and maps. The proclamation effort in Missouri is organized by the Missouri Geographic Alliance.</p>
<p>For more information, visit the links below:</p>
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<li>Geography Awareness Week: <a href="http://education.nationalgeographic.com/programs/geographyawarenessweek/" target="_blank">http://education.nationalgeographic.com/programs/geographyawarenessweek/</a></li>
<li>Missouri Geographic Alliance: <a href="http://mga.missouri.edu/" target="_blank">http://mga.missouri.edu/</a></li>
<li>Community Dashboard: <a href="http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Maps/Dashboard/" target="_blank">http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Maps/Dashboard/</a></li>
<li>Maps & Apps Directory: <a href="http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Maps/directory.php" target="_blank">http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Maps/directory.php</a></li>
<li>City of Columbia, Missouri on Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/City-of-Columbia-Missouri/115811635186687" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/pages/City-of-Columbia-Missouri/115811635186687</a></li>
<li>City of Columbia, Missouri on Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/CoMoGov" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/CoMoGov</a></li>
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<div style="margin-top: 75px; margin-bottom: 20px; text-align:center;"><p>City of Columbia Vision<br>
<em>Columbia is the best place for everyone to live, work, learn and play.</em></p>
<p>City of Columbia Mission<br>
<em>To serve the public through democratic, transparent and efficient government.</em></p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p>
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