SpatialNews Press Release

GDT Announces Incorporation of Census 2000 Information Into GDT Street and Address Products

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July 9, 2001, ESRI User Conference, San Diego, CA - Geographic Data Technology, Inc. (Lebanon, NH), a developer of premier map databases, announced that it will continue its long tradition of providing a correlation between postal and census geography with the incorporation of boundary definitions and other information based on the 2000 Census into the GDT product line. The Census Bureau this spring released its TIGER®/Line 2000 database with county definitions and census boundary definitions based on the most recent decennial census. GDT will incorporate that information within its street and address databases for product releases beginning in January 2002.

GDT is the only geographic data provider to offer the necessary information to link postal address and census information. Combined with GDT's complete nationwide street and address coverage, this correlation is critical to customers performing geodemographic analysis since location information is essential for most uses of the demographic information that comes from the census.

GDT is uniquely qualified to provide the link between postal and census information because of its longstanding relationship with the U.S. Census Bureau. GDT's relationship with the Bureau dates back to the 1960s when GDT founder Don Cooke served as a member of the New Haven Census Use Study Team, which created the first Dual Independent Map Encoding (DIME) files, helping to launch the computer mapping industry. GDT was the primary contractor for the creation of the Bureau's Topologically Integrated Geographic Encoding Referencing (TIGER) database and was the only commercial vendor selected to provide updated street and address information in preparation for the 2000 Census. GDT also has a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the Bureau to research methods of maintaining the nation's spatial data infrastructure.

"GDT has worked closely with the newly released TIGER/Line files to ensure that our customers benefit from the new census boundary definitions," said Fred Straka, manager of core data products for GDT. "The information from the 2000 Census provides an additional level of attribute information that enables users to incorporate demographics with other spatial applications. We've drawn on our longstanding relationship with the Census Bureau and our understanding of TIGER to ensure the best possible integration of the 2000 census information for our customers."

The new 2000 census information will replace the 1990 census information in GDT products beginning with the January release. Census 2000 boundary files will also be available as a separate product layer in January.

Geographic Data Technology, Inc. is the premier developer of map databases that provide the foundation for location-based applications. With 20 years experience in data management and compilation, GDT excels at bringing together a myriad of data resources to create usable spatial products and services that help businesses and consumers manage, understand and analyze geographic relationships. GDT provides cartographic data to major GIS vendors and is the data provider for leading software and web mapping programs. GDT data is used for routing, web mapping, emergency response, site selection, risk analysis, facilities management, and a host of other applications. With a focus on nationwide coverage, GDT offers customers complete, current and comprehensive geographic products. Rated one of the fastest growing private companies in New Hampshire, GDT employs more than 500 people at its Lebanon, NH headquarters. For more information, visit the GDT web site at www.geographic.com.

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Jul 10, 2001 Jun 26, 2002