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Presented by Vanderbilt University Libraries' GIS Lab in collaboration with Special Collections and University Archives.
This year, GIS Day joins Vanderbilt University’s Sesquicentennial celebration to explore 150 years of place, progress, and possibility. Under the theme “Mapping Vanderbilt’s Past, Present, and Future,” we highlight how Geographic Information Systems (GIS) help us understand our evolving campus and community of where we’ve been, where we are, and where we’re going.
Events
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Weeklong
Peabody Library Operating Hours GIS Lab, Peabody Library, Room 304
Then & Now: Mapping Vanderbilt Through Time
Step into Vanderbilt’s past and see how our campus and community have transformed over 150 years. This interactive digital exhibit invites you to explore “then vs. now” maps through a swipe-through experience revealing how places, buildings, and landscapes have evolved since the University’s founding. Compare historic maps and aerial imagery with today’s campus to discover stories of growth, progress, and preservation that shape the Vanderbilt we know today.
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Monday, November 17, 2025
11AM-12:30PM GIS Lab, Peabody Library, Room 304
Georeferencing Historical Maps
In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn how to georeference historical maps using ArcGIS Pro. This process involves aligning historical maps with modern spatial data, providing perspectives on the growth and evolution of Vanderbilt's campus. Light refreshments will be provided!
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Wednesday, November 19, 2025
4-6:30pm Author's Room, Central Library, Room 418A
Spatial Thinking @ VU: The State of GIS
This lightning talk series highlights the breadth and depth of GIS use across Vanderbilt University. In celebration of the university’s 150th anniversary, faculty, researchers, and students will present short talks on how geographic information systems advance their work. Discover how spatial data and mapping are transforming inquiry, collaboration, and storytelling across our campus community.
Presentations will take place between 4:30-6pm with time for Q&A!
Speakers Include:
Jonathan Herrin, GIS Analyst at Vanderbilt University
James Zimmer-Dauphinee, PhD, Post Doctoral Fellow in Anthropology
Ellen Parks
Connor Sutton, PhD Student in Anthropology
Hannah Morris
Stacy Curry-Johnson, Director of Research Strategy & Director of GIS Lab
Alyssa Sklar, Librarian for Geospatial Systems and Data
Light refreshments will be provided as well as viewing our interactive display of historical maps of campus from Special Collections and University Archives and button making!