August 4, 2008
San Diego, California—The University of Southern California’s (USC) Department of Geography GIS Research Laboratory has demonstrated vision and leadership, using ESRI's geographic information system (GIS) technology to better serve the world. To recognize this passionate approach to applying GIS solutions, ESRI will present the organization with the Special Achievement in GIS (SAG) Award on August 6, 2008, at the 28th Annual ESRI International User Conference (ESRI UC) in San Diego, California.
The USC GIS Research Laboratory seeks to develop cutting-edge geographic analysis tools and to apply these tools in ways that increase understanding of both built and natural environments. The Lab aims to further GIS while training the next generation of geographic information scientists and promoting using geographic information science concepts and technologies. Most of the Lab’s projects are collaborative with other organizations and strive to provide scientific support and related programs and services for citizens. In 1998, the Lab developed one of the first online GIS graduate certificate programs and continues to provide world-class training for working professionals and researchers such as adding a master degree program to address the growing demand for GIS-educated individuals.
"At ESRI, we are always deeply impressed by the innovation of our users," says Jack Dangermond, ESRI president. "We want to recognize the efforts of these individuals with our Special Achievement in GIS Award. This recognition is well deserved for how they've applied geospatial technology to address the needs of their industries and communities. They are defining GIS best practices."
GIS combines computer hardware, software, and data to create a tool for capturing, managing, analyzing, and displaying all forms of geographic information. Virtually any information can be linked to a geographic location, allowing users to see that information as part of a complete picture to be analyzed and applied to a problem or issue. With GIS, people can see firsthand how the world works and changes, view and manage information about locations, analyze spatial relationships, and visualize processes. From underground mine modeling to air traffic control, more than 300,000 organizations worldwide rely on GIS to better analyze their environments and make smarter decisions.
Other organizations being honored at the ESRI UC are Chesapeake Energy, the City of Austin, Forsyth County Schools, Greater New Orleans, Inc., the Marine Advanced Technology Center, the Navajo Department of Transportation, the City Planning Department in Bangkok, Thailand, the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, the United Nations Joint Logistics Center, Qatar Petroleum, and more.
To learn more about the 2008 SAG Award winners and to view their photos and project descriptions and images, please visit www.esri.com/sag. More information about ESRI and its GIS solutions can be found at www.esri.com.
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