From November 18-22, staff from the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) visited Geospatial Science courses across Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS), sparking interest in the transformative power of geographic information system (GIS) technology.
GIS technology is a system that captures, analyzes and visualizes spatial and geographic data, playing a critical role in decision-making across industries such as urban planning, environmental management and national security. NGA representatives shared how the agency leverages GIS to address global challenges and ensure global security.
In addition to showcasing the significance of GIS, the team introduced students to the NGA summer internship program, which provides hands-on experience and insight into careers at the forefront of geospatial intelligence.
The NGA visit included stops at eight LCPS high schools: Rock Ridge, Independence, Riverside, Broad Run, Woodgrove, Stone Bridge, Lightridge and Loudoun County for National GIS Day. Students in these classes are dual-enrolled with James Madison University through the Geospatial Semester Program (GSS), giving them a unique opportunity to earn college credit while exploring advanced topics in geospatial science.
Exposing high school students to NGA’s work emphasizes the growing importance of geospatial intelligence in tackling real-world problems and inspires them to pursue careers in STEM fields. These visits help bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry applications, empowering students to envision their role in shaping the future through geospatial technology.
For more information about Geospatial Science, visit the NGA, JMU Geospatial Semester, or the
GIS Day websites.