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City of Tucson Water Department Receives Honors for Exceptional Work Using GIS Technology

San Diego, California—On July 27, 2005, the City of Tucson Water Department received a 2005 Special Achievement in GIS award for its outstanding use of geographic information system (GIS) technology. ESRI, the world leader in GIS software, presented the award at the Twenty-fifth Annual ESRI International User Conference in San Diego, California, before thousands of GIS professionals. Out of more than 150,000 organizations worldwide, the winners of this award stood out for their exceptionally dedicated work and commitment.

“This award reflects the significant dedication and support these organizations provide to the people who depend on them,” says Jack Dangermond, ESRI president. “Each of the winners uses GIS technology to go beyond what is expected into the realm of excellence.”

GIS is a computer-based mapping tool that takes database information about a location, including streets, buildings, water features, and terrain, and turns it into visual layers. The ability to see and analyze geographic features on a map gives users a better understanding of a particular location, enabling planners, analysts, and others to make informed decisions about their communities, the environment, and businesses. This innovative technology brings countless benefits to the world through geography.

The Tucson Water Department uses GIS to maintain information about the city’s water system infrastructure. Field crews rely on this information for daily operation and maintenance activities. The analytical capabilities of the GIS are used in planning resources and providing information to crews responding to emergencies, such as main breaks.

The department’s enterprise GIS system increases the quality and quantity of the data they offer the community. Field crews submit corrections from the field, ensuring consistent, accurate information. The centralized database provides this and other information in an easy to access format, cutting down on the time it takes to provide requested information to citizens. Overall, the system ensures better decisions, a more informed community, and a department with the most current resources.

It was with great pleasure that ESRI honored the Special Achievement in GIS award winners for their part in making a difference in communities around the world. They exhibit the innovation and commitment that lead to countless possibilities with GIS technology. Other organizations honored at the 2005 User Conference include Government of Botswana; Indiana University, Research Institute; Dubai Electricity and Water Authority; Pacific Disaster Center; Chicago Police Department; Servicio Nacional de Geología y Minería, Chile; and Round River Conservation Studies.

About ESRI
Founded in 1969, ESRI is the leading developer of GIS software with more than 300,000 clients worldwide. ESRI software is used in all 200 of the largest cities in the United States and in more than 60 percent of counties and municipalities nationwide. Headquartered in California, ESRI has regional offices throughout the United States, international distributors in more than 90 countries, and more than 1,700 business partners. ESRI’s goal is to develop comprehensive tools that enable users to efficiently manage, use, and serve geographic information to make a difference in the world around them. ESRI also provides consulting, implementation, and technical support services. ESRI can be found on the Web at www.esri.com.

ESRI, the ESRI globe logo, GIS by ESRI, www.esri.com, and @esri.com are trademarks, registered trademarks, or service marks of ESRI in the United States, the European Community, or certain other jurisdictions. Other companies and products mentioned herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective trademark owners.

Press Information:
Nikki Snowhite, ESRI
Tel.: 909-793-2853, extension 1-2194
E-mail (press only): press@esri.com
General Information: info@esri.com