ESRI International User Conference 2005
 

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University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Receives Honors for Exceptional Work Using GIS Technology

San Diego, California—On July 27, 2005, the Department of Urban Planning at the University of Wisconsin, Milwauke, 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 Department of Urban Planning at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, has been a leader in GIS education and research for more than 15 years. The department is a strong advocate of GIS use in local government. The educational legacy of the department is seen in the diffusion of successful GIS professionals throughout the Milwaukee area and beyond.

The department offers nine courses each year in GIS, teaching approximately 120 students annually about the technology. The department also offers a professional GIS certificate program. Urban Planning faculty and students perform numerous public service GIS projects for Milwaukee government agencies and non-profit organizations. Past projects include a wide range of services, including a homelessness prevention project, a breast cancer awareness project for the Department of Health, an economic development plan for a community organization that lost a major industrial employer, an evaluation of neighborhood quality indicators, and many other community service projects. The department exhibits a strong commitment to community research as well as the passion to teach GIS technology and lead the evolution of the technology.

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 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.

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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.

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Nikki Snowhite, ESRI
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