ESRI Showcases GIS Solutions for the Nation

30 March 2009, 9:14am

Redlands, California — March 30, 2009 — Last month, more than 2,500 people gathered for three days at the ESRI Federal User Conference (FedUC) in Washington, D.C., to learn about new geographic information system (GIS) solutions and applications from ESRI staff, government leaders, and colleagues. Addressing the record-setting crowd, keynote speaker Governor Martin O’Malley of Maryland discussed his innovative use of GIS for accountability in the programs StateStat, BayStat, GreenPrint, and MDiMap.

Governor O’Malley and his staff use GIS as the foundation for analysis on government performance including stimulus spending, Chesapeake Bay restoration, land conservation, and sustainable growth. Maryland’s performance measurement programs allow staff and citizens to clearly see how the state is progressing on its initiatives.

“We’ve recently launched iMap, the first-in-the-nation basemap of every parcel and plot of land in our state,” said O’Malley. “Through iMap, we are timely, accurately, and transparently sharing information across our state government and increasingly sharing information with our partners in local county government, municipal governments, and even our federal government. We’re also making portions available through our Web site to our most important partners of all—the citizens we serve.”

ESRI staff member John Calkins presented a demonstration of the prototype FedStat, which shares the ideals of Maryland’s accountability programs. FedStat is ESRI’s vision for a new federal information management framework that provides a GIS-based way to understand, analyze, and publish information on a variety of government topics. It would support collaboration across government agencies, better and faster executive decision making, and communication with the public while also delivering transparency.

During the plenary, Jack Dangermond, ESRI president, and staff also highlighted improvements in the upcoming 9.3.1 release of ArcGIS software including

· Improved Web mapping with fast, dynamic maps; high-quality output; optimization tools; and expanded Web APIs such as ArcGIS API for Microsoft SilverLight

· Expanded services and content in ArcGIS Online, such as routing and geocoding services, and a world topographic basemap, global 1 m imagery, and Microsoft Virtual Earth

· Easier data sharing with layer packages that encapsulate data and cartography for sharing via ArcGIS Online, e-mail, shared files, or CD

· Enhanced ArcGIS Explorer 900 with a new intuitive interface, integrated 2D and 3D display, new basemap gallery, and presentation tools

In the days following the plenary, GIS users attended technical workshops to learn more about ArcGIS software, paper presentations to see examples of real-world applications, and the GIS Solutions EXPO to discover more about ESRI and ESRI business partner solutions. For the first time this year, attendees also had access to a hands-on learning center where they could test-drive ArcGIS software with prerecorded lessons and exercises.

ArcGIS 9.3.1 information

Geo: International