[FONT=Arial][SIZE=3]Walton County citizens can learn about the county?s map making capabilities and programs on Wednesday, November 19, 9:00 a.m. ? 4:00 p.m. The all-day open house will be held at the Walton County Planning and Development Division at the South Walton Courthouse Annex, 31 Coastal Centre Boulevard in Santa Rosa Beach.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial] [/FONT] [FONT=Arial]The open house is being held in conjunction with the National Geographic Society?s Geography Awareness Week and [I][I]Geography Action![/I][/I] Initiative. GIS Day is an international grassroots event to promote geographic literacy in schools, communities, and organizations. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial] [/FONT] [FONT=Arial]Maps will be on display throughout the day, and a one-hour tour of the county?s Geographic Information Service (GIS) program capabilities will begin at 10:00. Presentations and demonstrations will take place at the Planning & Development Division?s offices beginning at 2:00 p.m. and will include presentations on what the GIS system is and how GIS services can benefit the public through the county?s Planning & Development Division. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial] [/FONT] [FONT=Arial]?We hope citizens will get a chance to stop by and see some of the work our GIS Team is doing,? says Christine Sammelmann who leads the GIS team in south Walton County. ?I believe everyone who visits us will be amazed at what technology is at our disposal and how it is benefiting every citizen who wants to take advantage of our program.?[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] [/FONT] [FONT=Arial]For further information, contact Christine Sammelmann at the Walton County Planning & Development Services Division at 267-1955. [/FONT]