SpatialNews Press Release

ESRI Launches Major Grant Initiative for the Development of National Spatial Data Infrastructures

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Redlands, California-ESRI, the leading developer of geographic information system (GIS) software, has announced the establishment of the Global Spatial Data Infrastructure (GSDI) Global Map International Grant Program.

The initiative is intended to jump-start the development and distribution of national geospatial data as a backbone for supporting sustainable economic development. It is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Jack Estes, a GIS pioneer who envisioned a global program to assist developing countries in the creation and maintenance of their spatial data infrastructures. The initiative actively supports the expansion of the international programs of the GSDI and Global Mapping organizations in their efforts to promote the sharing of spatial data.

ESRI will underwrite the initiative with a comprehensive package of software, training, and support worth more than $5,000,000 (U.S.). It is anticipated that approximately 100 grants valued at $50,000 (U.S.) each will be awarded to support the building of national spatial data infrastructures throughout the world. Country representatives are encouraged to apply through their national mapping agencies or appropriate ministries. Grants will be made to only one government agency per country.

“ESRI is pleased to be in a position to offer comprehensive support for the development of national geospatial data infrastructures,” comments Jack Dangermond, ESRI president. “I believe that the development and maintenance of a country’s geospatial data is vital to achieving sustainable economic development throughout the world.”

The GSDI Grant Program was announced at the 2001 GSDI meeting in Cartagena, Colombia, on May 23, 2001. For additional information or to obtain an application, visit the Web site at www.esri.com/sdigrant.

For more than 30 years, ESRI has been the leading developer of GIS software with more than 300,000 clients worldwide. ESRI also provides consulting, implementation, and technical support services. In addition to its headquarters in California, ESRI has regional offices throughout the United States, international distributors in more than 90 countries, and more than 1,200 business partners. ESRI’s goal is to provide users with comprehensive tools to help them quickly and efficiently manage and use geographic information to make a real difference in the world around them. ESRI can be found on the Web at www.esri.com.

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

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Jul 9, 2001 Jun 26, 2002