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Baldwin County, Alabama, Receives Honors for Exceptional Work Using GIS TechnologySan Diego, California—On July 27, 2005, Baldwin County, Alabama, 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. Baldwin County’s GIS department has evolved into a model enterprise system in Alabama. The county was the first in the region to migrate to an enterprise geodatabase. Over the last several years they have expanded the use of GIS to multiple county departments, including health, planning, E-911, and education. As one of the fastest growing counties in the United States, Baldwin County has helped manage and monitor development by spreading its GIS to its many municipalities through data sharing agreements. The County’s GIS data is used daily on numerous issues such as producing zoning maps, determining sex offender locations, examining hurricane evacuation routes, maintaining wetland areas, voting precinct changes, parcel mapping, crime scene location and rendering, and many other purposes. The technology has helped the county improve services on many levels. Citizens can easily retrieve digital copies of parcel maps and tax data, zoning maps, aerial photography, elevation, and environmental data. In years past, it would have taken county personnel a long time to gather this information. The county shares data with state and federal agencies and non-profit organizations such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, FEMA, USGS, The University of Alabama, and many others. By using the county’s data, the agencies and organizations are able to improve their services and save taxpayers money. It also helps them conduct important studies on topics that include wetlands, drainage, potential hurricane damage, flooding, and economic growth. 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
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